THE last time DR Congo competed at a World Cup, it was a tournament to forget.
They finished with zero points at the 1974 edition in West Germany and failed to score while conceding FOURTEEN times.
DR Congo – then playing as Zaire – suffered a nightmare in their last World Cup in 1974 Credit: UPI
Star man Ndaye Mulamba was sent off by mistake after the referee was kicked in the backside Credit: Getty
And if that wasn’t enough, there were two farcical moments that marred their one and only appearance.
Some fans might not know they were playing under a completely different name when they were known as Zaire.
The Leopards of Zaire arrived at the World Cup as the reigning African champions – with Ndaye Mulamba scoring a record nine strikes.
But their reputation as potential dark horses was quickly dismissed as they were beaten 2-0 by in the opener before being demolished 9-0 by Yugoslavia.
The game became infamous after referee Omar Delgado was kicked in the backside before issuing a red card to Mulamba in the 23rd minute.
But it was a case of mistaken identity as Mwepu Ilunga should have been sent off instead.
The referee stuck with his guns and Fifa backed his decision – banning Mulamba for a YEAR.
Incredibly, Ilunga was in the headlines yet again in Zaire’s next World Cup group game against for a bizarre tactic that is still talked about today.
Mwepu Ilunga was later ridiculed for rushing out from the wall during a Brazil free kick Credit: BBC
Zaire lost 3-0 to Brazil as they exited the tournament without a win or a goal Credit: Getty
He was part of Zaire’s defensive wall during a Brazil free kick when he leapt out and charged towards the ball.
Ilunga then booted the ball down the other end of the pitch to leave Brazil players baffled.
He was also shown a yellow card for his strange antics, which were widely ridiculed at the time.
Zaire went on to lose the game 3-0 as they exited the tournament with a whimper.
Ilunga, who died in 2015 aged 66, claimed his behaviour was a protest against Zaire’s president after players didn’t receive World Cup bonuses.
He said of his behaviour in 2020: “I did that deliberately.
“I was aware of football regulations. I did not have a reason to continue getting injured while those who will benefit financially were sitting on the terraces watching.
“I know the rules very well but the referee was quite lenient and only gave me a yellow card.”
Congo will be led by Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa as their major hope this summer Credit: Reuters
Ex-Man United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka will also offer the team plenty of experience Credit: Getty
Congo clinched their return to the World Cup after seeing off Jamaica in the play-off Credit: Getty
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So the team – renamed to in 1997 – now have a secret side mission on their return to the tournament in a bid to restore the team’s pride.
Led by a group of Prem stars past and present, Congo will be pinning their hopes on the likes of Newcastle striker .
The former star only has nine goals from 37 caps but can be deadly on his day.
The team are also boosted by the experience of ex-Man United star , former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba and ‘s .
They also have ex-Chelsea midfielder Gael Kakuta and former left-back Arthur Masuaku in their ranks.
Another one of their biggest hopes is former striker Cedric Bakambu, who has 21 goals from 69 caps.
They clinched their place at the World Cup in dramatic fashion after a 1-0 extra time win over Jamaica in the play-offs.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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