DR Congo coach Desabre learned of father's death hours before near-upset against England

Sebastien Desabre coached DR Congo to within touching distance of a stunning World Cup upset against England in Atlanta on Saturday, hours after learning that his father had died.

The emotional detail emerged at the end of Desabre’s post-match press conference, when the team’s media officer, Jerry Kalemo, told reporters: “We announce that the coach has lost his father. Our sincere condolences.” Desabre, who turns 50 next month, responded with a quizzical expression before saying simply “thank you” — a reaction that initially prompted erroneous reports suggesting he was hearing the news for the first time. An official later clarified to Reuters that Desabre had in fact been informed before kick-off, and that his father had been unwell for some time.

On the pitch, DR Congo gave England a genuine scare. Brian Cipenga put the Congolese side ahead early and they held that lead for more than an hour before Harry Kane scored twice to seal a 2-1 victory for Thomas Tuchel’s side.

Despite the defeat, DR Congo leave the tournament having produced the finest World Cup campaign in their history. They reached the knockout stages for the first time, having navigated a group that included a 1-1 draw against Portugal and a narrow 1-0 loss to Colombia. Needing a win in their final group game against Uzbekistan, they fell behind before rallying to win 3-1, with Newcastle striker Yoane Wissa scoring twice and Fiston Mayele also on target.

England, now through to the Round of 16, will face co-hosts Mexico at the Azteca Stadium on Sunday. Mexico have won all four of their matches at this World Cup without conceding a goal, while England remain unbeaten in the tournament.