London's Congolese community celebrated into the early hours after the Democratic Republic of Congo secured a historic 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan to reach the World Cup knockout stages for the first time. The win sets up a last-32 encounter with England, leaving many fans with divided loyalties.
Historic Victory Sparks All-Night Celebrations
DR Congo's triumph, achieved in the early hours of Sunday morning, was only the second time the nation has qualified for the World Cup, more than 50 years after competing as Zaire in 1974. Crowds of Congolese residents in the UK poured onto the streets, notably along West Green Road in Tottenham and Seven Sisters, areas with large Congolese communities and businesses.
Sam Makela, manager of The Bash restaurant, told Metro: 'I feel great. I feel over the moon. It is really historical. We are in a mood of celebration.' He and his wife, Goldie Bashala, stayed out until 5am, leaving only because they had to prepare for Sunday customers.
Ebola Outbreak Adds to Team's Challenges
The team's achievement is remarkable given the deadly Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, which has killed more than 300 people. The World Health Organization declared a public health emergency on May 16. The outbreak forced the squad to cancel their pre-tournament training camp and quarantine for three weeks in Belgium before traveling to North America.
While the players were allowed into the United States, many Congolese fans were barred. The US imposed entry restrictions on non-Americans who had been in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the previous 21 days. Canada followed with a 90-day restriction on Congolese nationals traveling from their homeland.
Divided Loyalties for London's Congolese
Goldie Bashala expressed the mixed emotions of the community: 'We are divided now between the two of them. England is our home.' However, she noted that while England 'always' has opportunities to advance, DR Congo is striving for an unprecedented achievement. She added: 'Honestly this is an opportunity for us as a Congolese people. The players did not have their own fans in the stadium. To win is difficult for them.'
Nearly 30,000 people born in DR Congo now live in the UK, according to recent estimates. For many, the match against England is a chance to raise awareness about the situation in their homeland. Goldie said: 'Nobody is speaking about the situation in Congo. It is important for people to know what is happening. There are a lot of minerals that people take from Congo. We don't talk about what is happening.'
Match Details and Context
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, advanced after defeating Panama 2-0. The England vs. DR Congo match is scheduled for 5pm UK time in Atlanta, Georgia. DR Congo's journey has captivated fans, with their victory over Uzbekistan coming from a goal down to win 3-1.
Speaking at 3pm on Sunday, Goldie Bashala noted: 'Everyone is still sleeping. We are in a state of shock.' The celebrations and divided loyalties highlight the deep connections between London's Congolese community and both their heritage and adopted home.
