DR Congo’s medical officer shared the sad news regarding manager Sebastien Desabre’s family at the end of his press conference at the World Cup in Atlanta
DR Congo manager Sebastien Desabre saw the passing of his father announced to the world at the end of his post-match press conference following his side’s 2-1 round of 32 defeat to England in Atlanta.
Desabre had been taking questions from World Cup reporters when the DR Congo communications manager announced the shock news and offered his condolences.
Video footage of the press conference went viral online, and it is not clear at this time if Desabre already knew about his father’s passing, but he seemed shocked.
The media officer said: “Thank you. However, we are informing you that the coach has lost his father; our sincere condolences.”
Desabre then paused and replied “Merci” before departing the press conference room at the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
The 49-year-old led the African nation to their first World Cup since 1974 when they were previously known as Zaire.
He also guided them out of the group in third place following a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, also in Atlanta.
DR Congo clinched their spot in North America after beating Jamaica in the intercontinental play-offs.
They had led through Brian Cipenga’s first-half strike before Harry Kane struck twice to break their hearts despite the best efforts of inspirational goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Still, Desabre was proud of his side, stating: “We’re disappointed because we believed we could do it. Perhaps we lacked a bit of experience at the end, but that’s football. We learn, we continue to improve, and we move forward calmly.
“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.”
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Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa also hit the post, squandering the chance to put DR Congo ahead.
Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe said the defeat was tinged with defeat as there was a lingering feeling they could have finished England off.
He added: “Ultimately we’re kicking ourselves more so because we felt we should’ve definitely held out the game.
“Probably should’ve finished it in the first half as well but it was unfortunate it was not meant to be for us today but we’ll look on this and think how we can build for future tournaments.”
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