DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre learned of his father’s death during the post-match press conference following his team’s dramatic 2-1 loss to England in the World Cup round of 32 in Atlanta on Wednesday night (July 1).
Congo had taken the lead in the seventh minute and held on for much of the match, but England captain Harry Kane scored in the 75th minute to equalize and again in the 86th minute to complete the comeback. Congo’s first-ever knockout-round appearance at a World Cup ended in heartbreak.
Desabre had taken his place at the press conference to discuss the match and his team’s World Cup journey when a team media officer interrupted in French to inform those present that the coach’s father had passed away.
The French coach fell silent for several moments, visibly stunned. He then said “merci” quietly, rose from his chair, and left the room. The press conference ended immediately.
The moment, broadcast live, quickly spread on social media, with football fans from around the world sending their condolences.
Despite the result, Desabre expressed pride in his team’s performance before the news, saying his players had shown courage against one of the world’s best teams and fought until the end. He said the experience would strengthen Congolese football in the future.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report