DR Congo's Historic World Cup Point Brings Joy to Ebola-Hit Bunia

Posted : 26 June 2026

The Democratic Republic of Congo's historic first point at the FIFA World Cup provided a much-needed lift for residents of Bunia, a city at the centre of the country's ongoing Ebola outbreak. The national team's draw against Portugal gave thousands of supporters a rare reason to celebrate amid the health crisis and persistent insecurity affecting the northeastern province of Ituri.

The landmark result came courtesy of Yoane Wissa, whose goal in Houston was not only enough to earn the Leopards their first World Cup point but also marked the nation's first-ever goal at the tournament. Facing a Portugal side led by Cristiano Ronaldo, the Congolese team produced a determined display that earned praise from head coach Sebastien Desabre, who said his players had represented their country with pride and given the entire nation something to celebrate.

Bunia has been one of the regions most severely affected by the Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak. Hundreds of infections and dozens of deaths have been recorded in the city, while the wider outbreak has spread across both the DRC and neighbouring Uganda. Limited medical resources and testing capacity have made the response even more challenging for local communities.

Against that backdrop, football became a welcome distraction. Supporters gathered around the few available television sets to watch the match, and when Wissa found the net, jubilant scenes unfolded across the city. Young fans celebrated in the streets, motorcyclists performed stunts in excitement, and crowded bars erupted with cheers despite public health restrictions aimed at limiting large gatherings.

Among those celebrating was Antoinette Makasi, who said she was proud to support her country after finding a venue showing the match. While delighted by the result, she also expressed concern about the lack of social distancing in the packed bar and said she planned to disinfect herself upon returning home as a precaution against Ebola.

The result also helped erase painful memories of the country's only previous World Cup appearance in 1974, when the team, then competing as Zaire, exited the tournament without earning a point and conceded 14 goals. This generation's achievement has given supporters renewed belief and a sense of national pride.

Life in Ituri, however, remains difficult. The province continues to experience violence from armed groups, including militias and extremists linked to the Islamic State group, leaving many residents living under constant uncertainty. For locals such as Heritier Kimbimbi, the football team's success offered a brief escape from daily hardship and a chance to forget, even temporarily, the losses endured by their communities.

There was initial frustration before kick-off after a giant public screen set up in Bunia failed to broadcast the match. Residents criticised authorities for using the screen primarily for Ebola awareness campaigns while leaving supporters without access to the game. Some expressed anger over the decision, particularly given the city's unreliable electricity supply and the limited number of households with televisions.

As tensions rose, many supporters abandoned the square and travelled by motorcycle taxis to nearby bars and restaurants that were showing the match. Their determination was rewarded with a historic performance that delivered one of the brightest moments the country has experienced in recent months, proving that football can provide hope even in the most challenging circumstances.

DR Congo's Historic World Cup Point Brings Joy to Ebola-Hit Bunia

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