Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDemocratic Republic of Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre received the tragic news of his father’s death just hours before his team’s World Cup Round of 32 match against England. Despite the profound personal loss, Desabre led his side to a narrow 2-1 defeat against England, with DR Congo taking an early lead through Brian Cipenga before Harry Kane scored twice for the opposition. The emotional revelation was publicly announced by the team’s media officer at the conclusion of the post-match press conference, though an official later clarified Desabre had been informed prior to the game. Desabre's initial reaction of a quizzical expression and a simple “thank you” had initially led to incorrect reports suggesting he was hearing the news for the first time during the press conference. DR Congo concluded their best ever World Cup performance, having reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history, following earlier results including a draw against Portugal and a victory over Uzbekistan. In fullDR Congo head coach learned of father’s death hours before World Cup loss to EnglandMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
DR Congo manager received tragic family news before World Cup clash with England
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleDemocratic Republic of Congo head coach Sebastien Desabre received the tragic news of his father’s death just hours before his team’s World Cup Round of 32 match against England. Despite the profound personal loss, Desabre led his side to a narrow 2-1 defeat against England, with DR Congo taking an early lead through Brian Cipenga before Harry Kane scored twice for the opposition. The emotional revelation was publicly announced by the team’s media officer at the conclusion of the post-match press conference, though an official later clarified Desabre had been informed prior to the game. Desabre's initial reaction of a quizzical expression and a simple “thank you” had initially led to incorrect reports suggesting he was hearing the news for the first time during the press conference. DR Congo concluded their best ever World Cup performance, having reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history, following earlier results including a draw against Portugal and a victory over Uzbekistan. In fullDR Congo head coach learned of father’s death hours before World Cup loss to EnglandMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
