DR Congo's 1974 World Cup debut as Zaire remains football's most infamous failure: three matches, three defeats, 14 goals conceded without reply. Defender Mwepu Ilunga became a punchline when he charged from the defensive wall against Brazil and booted the ball downfield, earning a booking for the bizarre protest. Years later, Ilunga admitted the stunt was deliberate, aimed at exposing corruption within the football federation that had allegedly stolen players' FIFA bonuses.

That same year, President Mobutu Sese Seko staged the 'Rumble in the Jungle' in Kinshasa, paying $5m to Muhammad Ali and George Foreman for one of boxing's greatest fights. Journalist Justin Kabala Mwana calls it a 'media coup' that put Zaire on the world map. The 1974 Leopards squad had won consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles and received houses and cars from Mobutu, yet internal turmoil sabotaged their World Cup campaign.

Fast forward to 2024, and DR Congo's current generation has already surpassed their predecessors. They scored their first World Cup goal against Portugal, secured a historic victory over Uzbekistan, and now face England in Atlanta's last-32 clash. Centre-back Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive play-off goal against Jamaica, while striker Yoane Wissa dedicates performances to those suffering in East Congo's ongoing conflict.

The contrast is stark: where 1974's squad played amid economic collapse and internal strife, today's team benefits from professional conditions. New Fecofa leadership hopes to rebuild domestic football, while supporters like Tanya Maria see the World Cup as a unifying force. This isn't just about advancing in Qatar—it's about restoring national pride after decades of war and corruption.