Authorities in the Democratic Republic Congo have declared Wednesday a public holiday after the national football team qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years.
The Leopards reached the finals on Tuesday when Axel Tuanzebe’s extra-time goal gave them a 1-0 win over Jamaica in the play-off.
DR Congo’s ministry of labour and employment said that as a result of the “historic” victory, the nation could have the day off work to “celebrate in unity, fervour and national pride”.
The central African nation has only played in the World Cup once before – in 1974 when the country was named Zaire.
Tuesday’s match was an intense affair, with former Manchester United player Tuanzebe only breaking the deadlock in the 100th minute.
