DR Congo football team arrives in Spain amid uncertainty over friendly match with Chile

The national football team of the Democratic Republic of Congo has landed in Malaga, southern Spain, to continue their World Cup training. The team arrived by plane from Belgium, where they had been in camp and played a friendly match against Denmark. Their presence in Spain is contingent on confirming the location for a friendly match against Chile.

This potential match, which might be played behind closed doors, faces uncertainty. It was initially scheduled for La Línea de la Concepción but was denied authorization. Local authorities cited "health prudence" due to the Ebola outbreak in the African nation as the reason for refusal. The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has stated that canceling the match could constitute discrimination.

The Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) confirmed the team's arrival in Malaga and announced a new training session scheduled for Friday. Meanwhile, the Chilean national team is currently in Portugal, preparing for their own match against the Portuguese team. The Congolese team, nicknamed "The Leopards," previously played a friendly in Liege, Belgium. They are preparing for their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, grouped with Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.