04/01/26 09:31:00
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04/01 05:24 CDT Congo's World Cup qualification unites a troubled country and
brings a rare moment of joy
Congo's World Cup qualification unites a troubled country and brings a rare
moment of joy
By JUSTIN KABUMBA AND WILSON MCMAKIN
Associated Press
GOMA, Congo (AP) --- Congo erupted in joy overnight after a 100th-minute goal
against Jamaica sent the African country back to the World Cup for the first
time in more than half a century.
Across the country, people danced, yelled, and hugged each other in what became
a rare moment of joy for a nation battered by conflict in its mineral-rich
eastern region.
Congo's World Cup qualification came courtesy of Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time
goal following a corner to secure a 1-0 win over Jamaica in Tuesday night's
game in Guadalajara, Mexico.
That goal and the victory over Jamaica brought a huge relief for millions in
the central African nation who have long been accustomed to news of
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels fighting with government forces in the east in a
decades-long conflict that has resulted in one of the world's largest
humanitarian crises, with at least 7 million people displaced.
The last time Congo participated in the World Cup was the 1974 edition in
Germany. Then, the country had a different name, Zaire. It also had a different
reality from today's in which Rwanda-backed rebels control large swathes of
land and territories in its mineral-rich eastern region.
"Look at this crowd, we are full of joy because the victory is ours, we are
very happy," said an overjoyed Alain Kagama at a bar in the city of Goma, the
epicenter of the violence which has been under rebel control for over a year.
"It has been a long time since we smiled, but today we are happy," Kagama added.
The victory also united the country, drawing commendations from both the
government and rebels.
Videos showed Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi hugging and celebrating with
soccer fans and officials as his government commended the soccer team for their
victorious outing. M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka told The Associated Press the
whole nation is excited for the team.
"It's a matter of joy, it's a pleasure that at the next World Cup, the
Congolese national team will be represented," Kanyuka said.
Since January 2025, fighting has flared between the Congolese armed forces and
the M23 after the rebels swept through the eastern region in lightning attacks
and seized key cities of Goma and Bukavu.
The conflict has raged on despite a truce brokered by the United States and
Qatar. And clashes and drone strikes continue, including a February drone
strike that killed a senior rebel official.
With its victory in the intercontinental playoff, Congo completed Group K at
the World Cup, where it will face Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan.
As its team celebrated and danced at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico,
many stayed glued to their screen, holding tight to the excitement they wished
would not pass.
"Today is truly a historic day, we are full of joy as you can see. ... It was
our parents who last saw us at the World Cup, but today we are part of a story
that we will tell our children," said Christian Mihigo, a fan in Goma.
----
McMakin reported from Dakar, Senegal.
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