DR Congo squad reaches US after Ebola quarantine in Belgium
The team landed from Paris after US authorities required three weeks of isolation before the World Cup, Al Jazeera and AFP reported.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
2 min read
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s national football team has arrived in the United States for the World Cup after spending three weeks in quarantine in Europe because of an Ebola outbreak at home, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. The delay disrupted the team’s preparations for its first appearance at the tournament in more than five decades.
According to Al Jazeera and AFP, the squad flew in from Paris on Thursday after US authorities required the team to complete the isolation period in Belgium. The authorities had warned that the delegation could be refused entry for the tournament if it did not follow the quarantine requirement, the reports said.
DR Congo, also referred to as DRC, had planned to hold a pre-tournament training camp in the country before the outbreak emerged last month, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. The team moved its base to Belgium instead.
Head coach Sebastien Desabre said the group had adjusted to the disruption and remained focused on the tournament. “We adapted to the situation,” Desabre said, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. “We had to focus, as we have had to adapt often.”
The uncertainty also affected the team’s match schedule before the World Cup. A planned warm-up game against Chile in Spain was called off because of concerns about the virus spreading, Al Jazeera and AFP reported.
Desabre said the team had still managed to complete useful preparation. “We worked well, we played two tough friendlies, and here we are,” he said. “Now, it is another step for us.”
The World Cup marks DR Congo’s first qualification for the finals since 1974, when the country competed as Zaire, according to Al Jazeera and AFP. Desabre said he hoped the team could give supporters in the country something to enjoy during the outbreak.
“It has been a while since the people have seen the team at the World Cup,” Desabre said. “We already had the honour of qualifying for the finals. Now, it is up to us to put up a good showing in this tournament.”
DR Congo will be based in Houston during the competition, Al Jazeera and AFP reported. The team is scheduled to open Group K play against Portugal on June 17.
Its second group match is set for June 23 against Colombia in Guadalajara, Mexico. DR Congo is then due to play Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 28.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.