DR Congo dreams of England World Cup upset after overcoming significant challenges
via The Namibian5 min read
The Democratic Republic of Congo's national football team is preparing to face England in the World Cup last 32, having overcome numerous obstacles on their journey to their first World Cup in 52 years. These challenges include navigating 13 qualifiers, a pre-tournament quarantine due to an Ebola outbreak, and the instability caused by decades of conflict in the country. Yoane Wissa, a Newcastle striker who scored two goals in their first World Cup win against Uzbekistan, highlighted the difficulties faced in their home country, stating, "There’s a war in East Congo. Every day, every time we wear this shirt, we think about them." Many players in the squad have connections to England, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe having played for England at youth levels. Of the 26-man squad, 20 were born outside of Congo, with the majority in France, reflecting the impact of conflict forcing families to seek security in Europe. The team, led by French coach Sebastien Desabre, eliminated African powerhouses Cameroon and Nigeria in qualifying and secured their place with a victory over Jamaica. They also held Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening World Cup game. Despite the hurdles, including their most famous fan, Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, being denied entry to the US due to Ebola protocols, the team has defied expectations and given their nation reason to dream.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Must ReadDaron Namibia has denied allegations of misappropriating funds from a N$40-million Democratic Republic of Congo DRC fishing venture, which is now the subject of a High Court dispute involving Standard Bank Namibia and Hodago Fishing. Daron managing director Luther Mostert stated that the company is being wrongly portrayed as having control over investor funds. The money, deposited by the DRC's state social fund into a Standard Bank account, was intended for a fishing partnership. By early May this year, the account was empty, and the fish were not fully caught. Daron Namibia, a maritime supply and logistics company, is accused of using N$10 million from a protected account to settle its loan with Standard Bank, while Hodago Fishing, 45% owned by Swapo, is accused of misappropriating N$13.5 million. Mostert rejected any suggestion of wrongdoing, stating Daron's role was limited to operating and maintaining the fishing vessel MV Venus 1. He clarified that Daron did not receive or control N$40 million for its own benefit, and funds that moved through Daron-related banking arrangements were used for operational costs. Daron also denied improperly benefiting from escrow funds or diverting them to settle its debt, asserting that Standard Bank was aware of the arrangements. The company claims it was brought in to assist a failing vessel operation and is now being blamed for a venture involving other parties. The DRC's state social fund, the Fond Social de la République Démocratique
Digital experts and technologists are calling on developing nations, including Namibia, to strengthen their digital infrastructure and lessen their dependence on foreign technology. This warning is highlighted in the new book 'Digital Social Work Across Africa and Asia,' co-authored by Siddhartha Tiwari, Adi Fahrudin, and Fentiny Nugroho. The book examines how many African countries face similar challenges in modernizing social services. Professor Adi Fahrudin, in an interview with The Namibian, stated that technology should reflect local realities and support communities rather than forcing them to change. He emphasized that importing Western software often fails to account for African communities or informal economies. The book discusses issues like the 'shared screen' problem, where one smartphone is shared by multiple family members, potentially compromising privacy for vulnerable individuals receiving sensitive information. It also addresses 'analogue poverty' and challenges policymakers to carefully consider the implications before moving essential public services entirely online. While the authors advocate for strengthening local digital infrastructure, the book gives less attention to the financial and practical challenges faced by countries with limited basic infrastructure and public services.
Teenage cyclist Paul Seixas's involvement in the Tour de France has generated optimism for France to secure its first victory in the event in 41 years, a feat not achieved since Bernard Hinault's triumph in 1985. This long wait is one of several sporting droughts France is looking to overcome. The country also faces a 30-year dry spell in the Paris-Roubaix cycling classic, with the next edition in April 2027 marking three decades since Frederic Guesdon's win. In tennis, France has not had a men's winner at the French Open since Yannick Noah in 1983, and Mary Pierce's 2000 victory was the only home success for French women in the Open era. Historically, French football endured decades of struggles before winning the World Cup after 68 years and the European Championship after 24 years. Marseille's 1993 European Cup win was followed by Paris Saint-Germain's victory in May 2025. Other nations have also experienced significant sporting droughts, such as Britain's 76-year wait for a men's Wimbledon champion, ending with Andy Murray in 2013, and England's 60-year gap since their last World Cup football win. In rugby, France has yet to win the World Cup in its 39-year history, and Scotland has not won the Six Nations since 2000. Ireland ended a 111-year wait to beat New Zealand in 2016, while Scotland is still seeking a victory against the All Blacks after 121 years. Italy secured its first win against England in rugby after 35 years in March, and Australia has not won the Bledisloe