DR Congo lose to Chile as Ebola concerns force venue switch

The Democratic Republic of Congo concluded their World Cup warm-up campaign with a 2-1 loss to Chile in a friendly match played in Orleans, France. The game was switched from its original venue in Cadiz, Spain, and held behind closed doors due to public health concerns stemming from an Ebola outbreak in the central African nation.

After a goalless first half, Chile took the lead in the 52nd minute with a goal from Dario Osorio. Matias Sepulveda extended their advantage four minutes from time, before Joris Kayembe scored a late consolation goal for Congo in the 88th minute.

U.S. officials have implemented strict health protocols for teams entering the country for the World Cup, requiring players and staff to have been outside the DRC for 21 days and remain symptom-free. Congo is scheduled to travel to their tournament base in Houston on Thursday. They are set to open their Group K campaign against Portugal six days later, followed by matches against Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.

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Congo are due to travel to their tournament base in Houston on Thursday and open their Group K campaign against Portugal six days later.