The Democratic Republic of Congo suffered a 2–1 defeat against Chile during a closed-door World Cup warm-up match in France on Tuesday.
The friendly was relocated to Orleans after a Spanish mayor refused to host the game over escalating Ebola virus anxieties.
An international health emergency was declared by the World Health Organization following a severe outbreak in northeastern DR Congo.
The disruption forced the national team to completely scrap their planned pre-World Cup domestic training camp last month.
DR Congo is preparing for its historic first World Cup appearance since competing under the name Zaire in 1974.
The squad will compete in Group K alongside Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan, with matches hosted in North America.
Strict American travel bans currently prohibit entry to individuals who have recently visited the affected African nation.
The team will avoid these entry restrictions because they have been training safely inside Europe for several weeks.
A shadow of medical anxiety hangs over the tournament, threatening to eclipse the pure athletic triumph of the players.
The Leopards must now overcome both formidable soccer opponents and intense global scrutiny as they chase their sporting dreams.
