DR Congo plot first World Cup assault in more than 50 years amid Ebola concern

The people of DR Congo have spent more than 50 years watching World Cups take place back home on television.

But this time round, the Central African nation will be part of the show themselves, having booked a place in North America this summer for the first time since 1974.

To put the achievement into perspective, non of the current squad were even born back then. Neither was manager Sebastien Desabre, who took charge in 2022 and now has the freedom of the democratic republic, whatever happens this summer.

Nicknamed 'The Florist', Desabre has got Congo blooming at just the right time, having rebuilt the squad with a more European influence, and increasing the team's competitiveness.

But the road to this World Cup has not been without its potholes. On top of the backdrop of a violent civil conflict continuing to rage throughout Congo, an outbreak of Ebola has added to the team's problems.

It's directly impacting their preparations, with Spanish authorities calling off a friendly between Congo and Chile due to take place in Cadiz.

One previous appearance at the World Cup resulted in Congo, known as 'The Leopards' heading home with their tails between their legs.

Congo, who were then known as Zaire, lost all three games to finish bottom of their group. What followed was more than five decades of pain and despair.

That was until master tactician Desabre arrived, to change the team's approach, personnel and subsequent fortunes on the international stage.

Congo somehow navigated a difficult qualification process, securing their place at the finals via the FIFA Inter-Confederation play offs.

Desabre's men defeated Jamaica, a result which cost former England boss Steve McClaren his job. Reaching this stage had seen Congo finish second in their CAF group, eliminating more illustrious neighbours Cameroon and Nigeria in the process.

Desabre has made it clear his team can make a significant impression at this tournament. They are not heading to North America to make up the numbers.

But when he said this, little did Desabre know at the time his preparations would be thrown into total turmoil for reasons he never envisaged.

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An outbreak of the Ebola virus in the east of Congo forced the team to cancel its pre-World Cup training camp in the capital, Kinshasa. The squad travelled to Belgium instead, after seeing the virus kill almost 200 people.

The World Health Organization (WHO) called the outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern", but said it was not at pandemic level.

Even so, these are not circumstances the likes of Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti have had to deal with.

There will be no easing themselves into the tournament, where Congo are concerned. Because first up in Group K will be one of the tournament favourites, in the shape of Portugal.

Uzbekistan and Colombia make up the group, but the prospect of a face-off with Ronaldo is what Desabre and his men are relishing the most.

And no-one will be looking forward to testing himself against one of the world's most iconic stars, more than Congo captain Chancel Mbemba.

Mbemba is no stranger to English football, having spent three years at Newcastle. The Lille defender has earned iconic status in Congolese football, having won more than 100 caps.

The team revolves around this leader and legend, who has become Desabre's right hand man and is at the heart of everything, from planning to team selection.

And if he can somehow stop Ronaldo from making a winning start, his status will be elevated to unprecedented levels.

Congo have had a reputation for liking to party. In the past, the Congolese have focused on bringing expression, colour and joy to football.

But not on Desabre's watch. The French coach has focused on defensive organisation and discipline since taking the reigns.

It has won them no neutral supporters whatsoever, but has got them to a World Cup. Desabre's team is miserable to watch, but hard to beat.

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The defensive duo of Mbemba and Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe is the centre back paring around which Congo's side is built.

Tuanzebe's former Manchester United team-mate Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who switched allegiances from England to Congo along with Tuanzebe, is also pivotal in the right back slot.

Sunderland's Noah Sadiki has become the midfield general, while Desabre relies on another Premier League star to score the goals.

Yoane Wissa cost Newcastle £55m last summer, but has gone on to score just three times for Eddie Howe's men in a season blighted by injury.

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