Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have declared Wednesday a public holiday after the national football team qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years. The Leopards secured their place in the finals on Tuesday with a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in a play-off match, thanks to an extra-time goal.

The DRC's Ministry of Labour and Employment stated that due to this "historic" victory, the nation could take the day off work to "celebrate in unity, fervour and national pride." The central African country has only participated in the World Cup once before—in 1974 when it was known as Zaire.

Numerous employers observed the holiday on Wednesday, with many banks and shops closed throughout the day in the capital, Kinshasa. However, some employers proceeded with the workday as normal, as the announcement—made at approximately 08:00 local time (07:00 GMT)—came at such short notice. Tuesday's match was an intense affair, with former Manchester United player Axel Tuanzebe breaking the deadlock only in the 100th minute.

Elated football fans celebrated in Kinshasa after the team's victory was confirmed just before 01:00 local time on Wednesday morning. One supporter told the BBC: "Whatever we may be feeling at the moment, amidst pain and war and occupation, this victory makes us proud... I feel so emotional and happy." The DRC has been battered by decades of conflict, with fighting escalating early last year when the M23 rebel group captured swathes of territory in the country's east.

Although neighbouring Rwanda is widely believed to be supporting the M23 and the two countries' leaders have exchanged bitter insults in recent years, Rwanda's government congratulated the DRC on qualifying. Deputy government spokesperson Jean Maurice Uwera said in a post on X: "Leopards stepping up for Africa! Congratulations DR Congo, go make the continent proud on the world stage."

In the Kinshasa neighbourhood of Kingabwa, some fans took to the streets chanting: "Christiano Ronaldo is next." The DRC's first match will be against Ronaldo's Portugal in the US city of Houston on 17 June. They will also play Colombia and Uzbekistan in the group stages. The DRC is the 10th African nation to reach this year's expanded World Cup finals, jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.

Born in Bunia, a city hit by the ongoing conflict, Tuanzebe said Tuesday night's goal was "without a doubt the most important" of his career. He added: "I'm so grateful to have scored that goal for the team, for the nation. I realise the magnitude of what it represents and the joy it brings to people."

Source: www.bbc.com