DR Congo Coach learns of father's death after World Cup exit

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's FIFA World Cup campaign ended on a deeply emotional note after head coach Sebastien Desabre was informed of his father's death during the team's post-match press conference following the 2-1 defeat to England on Wednesday (July 2).

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Desabre was left in shock when the media officer interjected towards the end and announced the coach’s bereavement.

“Thank you but we are announcing that the coach has lost his father,” the media officer announced in French.

“So sincere condolences,” he added before concluding the press conference.

The Frenchman, who has been charge of the national side for the last side, added a humble “merci” – ‘thank you’ before exiting the room.

Having led Congo to their first World Cup qualification since 1974, Desabre had overseen their progress through a tough Group J that included Portugal and Colombia. The story was beginning to bloom further when Brian Cipenga’s seventh-minute strike stunned England, who had to scramble back to victory late in the second-half thanks to twin strikes from Harry Kane.

Following the match, Desabre had appeared to reflect on Congo’s inspirational journey with composure.

“We are more proud than disappointed. We are disappointed to be leaving the World ​Cup of course but we scored five goals in the tournament and played much ​higher-ranked teams and managed good results,” he told reporters.

“We managed ​to corner England ​but they reacted and ⁠that is the capacity of these big teams. It took the best striker in the world to save them and that’s what ​happens against these big nations. We did what we could, we ​were close ⁠to winning but it can also been seen as a victory of sorts for us.”