DR Congo must keep focus in World Cup bid - Zakuani

DR Congo are one game away from appearing at the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire

Former DR Congo captain Gabriel Zakuani has warned that the Leopards must not be complacent when they take part in inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

The Central Africans upset heavyweights Cameroon and Nigeria in continental play-offs this month to put themselves one win away from returning to the finals for the first time since 1974.

DR Congo will now face either Jamaica or New Caledonia in a winner-takes-all encounter in Mexico next March.

"It's a good draw, because on paper we are the stronger side," the 39-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.

"We knocked out Cameroon and Nigeria so there's a chance we could take the game a little easier or come across as over-confident.

"But I think the way the manager Sebastien Desabre has got us playing there's nothing to take for granted.

"We need to make it to the World Cup because we haven't been there since 1974. That is a long time for a big African nation like DR Congo, and this is a massive opportunity."

Chance to 'bring peace and joy'

Thousands of fans lined the streets of Kinshasa to welcome the DR Congo squad back to the capital after their penalty shootout victory over Nigeria

DR Congo missed out on one of Africa's nine automatic qualification spots for next year's tournament after finishing two points behind Senegal in Group B.

But the Leopards emerged from continental play-offs in Rabat to extend their hopes of featuring at the expanded 48-team tournament.

Zakuani believes that reaching the United States, Mexico and Canada would boost a nation that has had to endure decades of conflict in eastern regions of the country.

"If we get to the World Cup, it will be huge for the country," he said.

"The achievements of the players will then transpire into politics, the life of kids will be happier, the streets of Congo will be celebrating up until the day until the World Cup kicks off.

"No one has seen this happen for such a long time. This will bring peace, happiness, joy and something to look forward to.

"It will be so big for DR Congo."