DRC Football Fans Overcome Power Outages to Watch World Cup Qualifiers
In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, enthusiastic supporters of the national football team, the Leopards, gathered in fan zones to watch a crucial qualifying play-off match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event marked a historic moment as the team neared qualification for the first time in fifty-two years. However, the celebration was interrupted when the electricity grid failed during overtime, causing giant screens to go dark. This incident highlights the severe infrastructure challenges in the region, where power outages are a daily occurrence. According to World Bank data, only 45% of Kinshasa’s 19 million residents have access to electricity, with national rates dropping to 22.1%. Despite these hardships, fans remain resilient, often relying on personal generators or flashlights to follow the game. The article illustrates the deep cultural connection to football in the DRC, serving as a unifying force amidst systemic infrastructural deficits. Correspondents from Le Monde report on this juxtaposition of sporting joy and logistical deprivation, showcasing how communities organize themselves to maintain their passion for the sport despite limited resources.
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