ATLANTA (USA) (ITALPRESS) – Sebastien Desabre‘s expression at the end of the post-match press conference quickly made headlines around the world following a statement by the Congolese Football Federation’s press officer. The Congo head coach appeared shocked, grief-stricken and visibly uncomfortable, deeply affected by the death of his father—far more than by his team’s 2-1 defeat to England in the Round of 32, where Harry Kane scored both goals for the Three Lions.

Many believed that the French coach had learned of his father’s passing only at that moment, when the press officer publicly announced the news. However, the Congolese Football Federation and African journalists present at the press conference confirmed that this was not the case. Desabre had been informed of his father’s death before the match. His reaction stemmed from his surprise that such deeply personal information had been made public in that setting without his expectation.

The Congolese Football Federation (FECOFA) praised Desabre’s professionalism under extremely difficult circumstances and expressed the full support and sympathy of both the national team and the Congolese people.

“We’re disappointed because we truly believed we could do it. We played well. Towards the end of the match, we gave away two chances, and Kane, one of the best players in the world, scored twice. It’s a shame,” Desabre said after the match.

“We must congratulate the players for their performance. They gained valuable experience by facing a team like England without fear. This is how football is built in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Perhaps we lacked a bit of experience, but that’s part of the game. We are learning and continuing to improve. We will keep moving forward, step by step,” said a proud Desabre.

– Photo Ipa Agency –

(ITALPRESS).

Source: medNews