DR Congo Hub
Leopards honored by the president for recent performances
On April 27 2024, the Leopards received praise from President Félix Tshisekedi, who highlighted the impact of their recent successes on national pride. In a speech broadcast in Kinshasa, the head of state recalled that the national team was writing "one of the finest pages" of Congolese sport, while urging supporters to back the quest for a 2026 World Cup spot.
Why is this political backing crucial for DR Congo?
The president noted that football acts as a social glue, capable of uniting the country's diverse provinces. By encouraging youth to engage in sport, he bets on the Leopards' influence to strengthen national cohesion. This official statement also raises the profile of the qualification project, a goal shared by the Ministry of Sports and the Congolese Football Federation.
What are the recent highlights of the Leopards' campaign?
| Date | President's statement |
|---|---|
| April 27 2024 | "The Leopards have written a beautiful page of Congolese sport history" |
| March 15 2024 | 1‑0 win over England in a friendly, Cédric Bakambu scored in the 11th minute |
| February 3 2024 | Group A victory in the Nations League, 3‑2 against Ghana |
These results, combined with a solid defence and renewed attacking play, have fueled optimism around qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
What challenges remain before the next World Cup?
Head coach Marc Wilmots must still tighten squad cohesion before the qualifiers. The injury to striker Jordan Nkwenti, sustained in the match against Ghana, requires careful medical management. Additionally, competition in Central Africa stays fierce, with Cameroon and Nigeria also posting strong performances.
How can fans support the Leopards?
Tshisekedi called on every Congolese to follow the matches, wear the flag colours and join awareness campaigns run by the federation. Social media will play a key role, with hashtags #AllezLesLéopards and #FiertéRDC already trending. By creating a constant atmosphere of support, fans will help push the team toward final qualification.
What are the near‑future prospects?
With the qualifying schedule kicking off in September 2024, the Leopards have a six‑month window to sharpen their game. The president pledged increased financial backing, especially for training facilities in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi. If the current momentum holds, DR Congo could become one of the continent's favorites to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.
