The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to face England in the World Cup round of 32 on Wednesday, a match that evokes memories of the country's historic sporting milestones in 1974.
Journalist Justin Kabala Mwana, who covered those events, sees the upcoming fixture in Atlanta as a chance for the nation to reclaim unity and dignity after decades of conflict and corruption.
>>> GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Under Study for Longevity Benefits
1974 World Cup Debut
Then known as Zaire, the nation became the first sub-Saharan African country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 1974.
The team lost all three group matches without scoring a goal.
During a 2-0 loss to Brazil, defender Mwepu Ilunga ran out of the defensive wall to kick away a free-kick before it was taken, an act that drew ridicule at the time.
Ilunga later explained it was a deliberate protest against national football officials.
Players had threatened to boycott their prior match against Yugoslavia—a 9-0 defeat—due to unpaid bonuses promised by FIFA.
"I don't regret it at all," Ilunga said, adding that he sought a red card to protest financial mismanagement.
The referee only issued a yellow card.
Former forward Mayanga Maku recalled that preparations were initially well-organized under President Mobutu Sese Seko, who rewarded players with houses and cars after their Africa Cup of Nations victory earlier that year.
"President Mobutu took us under his wing," Maku said. The team withdrew from club competitions to focus solely on the tournament.
