President Katumbi Hails 'Valiant Leopards' After Narrow Defeat to England
DR Congo president Moise Katumbi praised the national football team for their historic World Cup campaign, which concluded with a 2-1 loss to England in the round of 32 on Wednesday. In a post on X, Katumbi thanked the players and head coach Sebastien Desabre for 'soothing the hearts of all Congolese' during a deeply divided time in the nation.
Despite taking an early lead through Brian Cipenga's seventh-minute goal, DR Congo conceded two late strikes from England captain Harry Kane in the 75th and 86th minutes, allowing England to progress to a round of 16 clash against co-hosts Mexico.
Katumbi Expresses Pride in Team's Achievement
'To our valiant #Leopards and to Coach Desabre, I want to say thank you! Beyond your fabulous run in this World Cup, you managed the feat of soothing the hearts of all Congolese at a time when our Nation is so deeply divided. Even today, you were heroic. We, the Congolese, are proud of you!' Katumbi wrote on X.
The president's message resonated with fans across the country, as DR Congo competed in the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. The team's performance exceeded expectations, winning hearts with their disciplined defending and aggressive pressing throughout the tournament.
Match Highlights: Cipenga's Stunner and Kane's Double
DR Congo produced one of the standout performances of the knockout stage before narrowly falling to England. Brian Cipenga stunned the Three Lions with the opening goal in the seventh minute, finishing at the back post after a swift counterattack to score his first international goal. The African side frustrated England throughout the first half, limiting clear-cut chances while goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi made several important interventions. They carried a deserved 1-0 lead into the break.
England manager Thomas Tuchel responded with attacking substitutions in the second half, introducing Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka before later bringing on Eberechi Eze as his side increased the pressure. Captain Harry Kane eventually broke DR Congo's resistance in the 75th minute, finishing from close range after sustained pressure. The striker completed the comeback in the 86th minute with his second goal of the night, sealing a 2-1 victory.
Historic Campaign Ends with Positive Memories
Although their campaign ended in defeat, DR Congo exceeded expectations at the tournament. They opened their Group K campaign with a 1-1 draw against Portugal, suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Colombia, and secured qualification for the knockout stage with an impressive 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, marking the country's most memorable World Cup run in more than five decades.
The team's resilience and historic qualification to the knockout stage have united the nation, with Katumbi's words reflecting the pride felt by many Congolese. As the players return home, they carry with them the gratitude of a nation and the knowledge that they have inspired a generation.
