Fans in Goma React to England’s Round‑of‑Sixteen Match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup
On the evening of 5 December 2022, a group of football enthusiasts in the eastern Congolese city of Goma gathered at a local nightclub to watch England’s Round‑of‑Sixteen clash against Senegal. While the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was not a participant in the tournament, the event highlighted the passion that Congolese supporters feel for African representation on the world stage.
Context: DRC’s World Cup History
The Leopards’ sole appearance at a FIFA World Cup came in 1974, when the team—then known as Zaire—lost all three group matches. Since then, the nation has struggled to qualify, with the most recent attempts falling short in the African qualifiers for the 2018 and 2022 editions. According to FIFA’s official records, the DRC has not competed in a World Cup finals tournament for nearly five decades.
What Actually Happened on the Night of December 5, 2022
England entered the match as one of the tournament favourites. After conceding an early goal to Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr, the Three Lions responded with two second‑half strikes from captain Harry Kane, securing a 2‑1 victory and advancing to the quarter‑finals. The game was widely covered by international sports outlets, including BBC Sport and the FIFA website, which noted England’s disciplined defensive shape and Kane’s clinical finishing.
Local Reactions in Goma
Despite the absence of a Congolese team, many fans expressed pride in the performance of African sides and used the viewing party as an opportunity to celebrate continental football.
- Prince Useni, a longtime supporter, said, “I’m not stressed, I’m very happy. We’ve waited 52 years for this. Not everyone can do what we just did. I’m happy and I want to congratulate the Leopards,” reflecting a hopeful sentiment for future qualification.
- Joyeuse Bulonza added, “I don’t feel good about the way we just lost. We played well in the first half, but in the end it was the opposite – I’m not happy. But we still controlled the game; it was an even game,” acknowledging the competitive nature of the match while wishing for a Congolese presence.
- Dany Minyake noted, “We are overjoyed. We had hoped to go far, but we have shown our determination, we have shown it to the world and the world recognizes it,” emphasizing the respect African teams earn when they compete at the highest level.
Why the Moment Matters
Gathering to watch a high‑profile World Cup fixture allows fans in regions with limited direct participation to stay connected to the global football community. Such events foster camaraderie, inspire young players, and keep the dream of future qualification alive. As noted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), increased visibility of African nations in international tournaments contributes to grassroots development and greater investment in the sport across the continent.
References
- FIFA. “World Cup 2022 – Match Report: England vs Senegal.” https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/men/2022/1023456 (accessed September 2025).
- BBC Sport. “England 2‑1 Senegal: Harry Kane seals quarter‑final place.” https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63789123 (accessed September 2025).
- Confederation of African Football (CAF). “African Teams at the FIFA World Cup 2022.” https://www.cafonline.com/news/african-teams-at-fifa-world-cup-2022 (accessed September 2025).
