ATLANTA (AP) – The death of Congolese national team coach Sebastien Desabre’s father was announced at a press conference after his team was eliminated from the World Cup. world cupthe public announcement seemed to surprise the French.
Desables had just finished taking questions from the media after the game. Congo suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss. They will face England in the round of 16 on Wednesday.
Afterwards, a team spokesperson concluded the session by saying in French, “Coach has lost his father. We offer our sincere condolences.”
Mr. Desables looked surprised and turned to his right to see his press secretary, Jerry Calemo Goy, but quickly regained his composure and called out “Merci,” which means “thank you” in French.
Kalemo Ngoy said Thursday that he was informed of Desabre’s father’s death before the game.
Desabre, 49, coached Congo for four years and led the team to their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
France coach Didier Deschamps temporarily withdrew from the World Cup last week and returned home. attend his mother’s funeral.
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