Former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani urges focus in World Cup bid

Former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani is urging focus ahead of the intercontinental World Cup playoff, scheduled for next year.

The Leopards triumphed over Nigeria in the final of the African World Cup playoff last Sunday, earning them a slot for the intercontinental playoff in March 2026.

The Central African football powerhouse are just one win away from securing qualification to the global showpiece for the first time since 1974.

DR Congo will now face either Jamaica or New Caledonia in a winner-takes-all encounter in Mexico next March.

However, Gabriel Zakuani has called on the Leopards to eschew complacency in their quest to secure qualification.

“It’s a good draw, because on paper we are the stronger side,” the 39-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.

“We knocked out Cameroon and Nigeria so there’s a chance we could take the game a little easier or come across as over-confident.

“But I think the way the manager Sebastien Desabre has got us playing there’s nothing to take for granted.

“We need to make it to the World Cup because we haven’t been there since 1974. That is a long time for a big African nation like DR Congo, and this is a massive opportunity.”

But the Leopards emerged from continental play-offs in Rabat to extend their hopes of featuring at the expanded 48-team tournament.

Zakuani believes that reaching the United States, Mexico and Canada would boost a nation that has had to endure decades of conflict in eastern regions of the country.

“If we get to the World Cup, it will be huge for the country,” he said.

“The achievements of the players will then transpire into politics, the life of kids will be happier, the streets of Congo will be celebrating up until the day until the World Cup kicks off.

“No one has seen this happen for such a long time. This will bring peace, happiness, joy and something to look forward to. It will be so big for DR Congo.”