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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Sport
RFI

RARE PHOTOS: We brought hope back says drc keeper mpasi as world cup beckons | Vintage Vibes

RFI World Cup Lionel Mpasi LM DRC Democratic Republic of Congo Jamaica Leopards Mexico Ligue 1
DRC goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi greets Jamaica’s Renaldo Cephas after securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup – the country’s first in 52 years. AFP - ULISES RUIZ

With the Leopards sealing their place after a play-off win over Jamaica in Mexico on 31 March, the Democratic Republic of Congo are heading to the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. The team's goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi tells RFI the scale of that achievement is yet to sink in.

Just over a week after helping his country qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the 31-year-old is back in France at his club Le Havre AC, but still riding high on a historic moment.

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