’Thank You’: DR Congo coach Se’bastien Desabre learns of father’s death during post-match press conference

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s historic World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak on two fronts on Wednesday, as head coach Sébastien Desabre was informed of his father’s death during the post-match press conference following his team’s 2-1 round-of-32 defeat to England.

Desabre, 49, had just guided the Leopards to their first World Cup knockout appearance since 1974 – when the nation competed as Zaire – and had spent seven minutes answering questions about his team’s courageous performance at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

After fielding the final question, Congo’s media officer addressed the room in French: “Thank you, but we are announcing that the coach has lost his father. Our sincere condolences.”

Video footage of the moment shows Desabre glaring at the press officer in apparent astonishment. He paused momentarily before quietly responding, “Merci” – and immediately stood up and walked out of the press conference room.

Father Had Died Before the Match

It has since been reported that Desabre’s father passed away before the match against England, which took place on July 1. Congolese journalist Stanis Bujakera Tshiamala reported that Desabre had been informed of the loss of a “very close family member” prior to the game. The Frenchman was reportedly determined to lead the team despite the personal tragedy, with observers praising his devotion to the DR Congo national team.

DR Congo’s Minister of Sport, Didier Budimbu Ntubuanga, offered condolences on social media, writing: “Deeply touched by the grief that strikes our coach Sébastien Desabre. Even in the ordeal, his dignity and professional demeanor throughout the competition command the admiration of the entire Nation.”

A Historic Run Ends in Agony

The tragic announcement overshadowed what had been a landmark tournament for the Leopards. DR Congo had reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history after finishing as one of the best third-placed teams in Group K, following a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan – their first-ever World Cup win.

Against England, they made a dream start when Brian Cipenga scored after just seven minutes to give Congo a shock lead. Despite heroic goalkeeping from Lionel Mpasi, who produced a series of outstanding saves, England captain Harry Kane struck twice in the final 15 minutes – equalising in the 75th minute before firing home a dramatic winner in the 86th.

Desabre had spoken with pride about his team before the announcement: “We’re disappointed because we believed in it. Perhaps we lacked a bit of experience towards the end, but that’s football. We fought like the Congolese people. We played good football today against one of the best teams in the world. That’s what we’ll remember.”

It remains unclear whether Desabre knew of his father’s passing before the public announcement or was hearing the news for the first time in front of the world’s media. What is clear is that a night of sporting heartbreak was compounded by a personal loss that will resonate far beyond the football pitch.