After qualifying for their first World Cup in more than 50 years, West Green Road has been even more lively than usual as The Democratic Republic of the Congo helps bring the party
During the day, West Green Road looks like any other road in London. Fruit and veg shops, barbers, supermarkets, cafes and a mix of people going about their day.
However, even with the blend of cultures associated with London (with Latin cafes and Ghanaian shops), one nation stands out more prominently.
The blue and yellow are striking, the sounds of Lingala and French are easily noticeable, and the bright colours of the clothing instantly tell you where loyalties lie. If that’s not enough, the Congolese flags hung from windows and outside shops make it abundantly clear that West Green Road is ‘where all the Congolese go’. Located in Seven Sisters, this road is the place where Congolese Londoners have made home.
England is set to play DR Congo in the round of 32 at 5pm on July 1. The Congolese people on West Green Road are optimistic, and fans flocked there after the team beat Uzbekistan 3-1 to qualify for the next round. However, fans are now preparing for an even bigger celebration if DR Congo are able to shock England.
Davell Eden, 32, who runs Eden Store on West Green Road, told MyLondon: “This place is home for the Congolese who have moved over here. It’s the area that accepted us as a whole to begin with. Our parents came, and we grew up here before moving elsewhere. My parents opened this shop in 1995 and have been running it since.
“We are excited to see Congo in the World Cup, and I’m super proud. First time qualifying in 52 years, as a Congolese person, right now, it’s the most amazing time to be alive. Yes, I have a split loyalty, I love England, it’s our second home and for giving us an opportunity to shine, but Congo has my heart.
“On game days, you see all the African nations supporting us and it’s amazing. No teams celebrate the way Congolese do, and it’s very positive, so we’re happy to be spreading that positivity with this.”
The last census in 2021 showed that there were around 11,000 Congolese residents in London alone, with many of them based in Seven Sisters.
One of West Green’s most notable shops is The Bash Restaurant Cafe Bar. Goldie Bashala, who runs it with her husband, said that the area is always the place for ‘Congolese people to come and meet’.
She said: “Even when there’s a game being played in Congo, we always come together in Seven Sisters and celebrate. The World Cup has been exciting, and it’s an opportunity for us. We are happy people, we come together, we sing, we are happy, and it’s a good opportunity to show that we exist.
“Seven Sisters has always been an area for Congolese people. There are restaurants and shops selling everything from Congo – if you want anything from Congo, you have to come to the Seven Sisters area. It’s been like this forever!”
As Congo prepares to face England in the round-of-32 game this evening (Wednesday, July 1), excitement and feeling are bubbling on the streets.
Guylaine Sambo, who runs her clothing shop, Guylaine Style, couldn’t contain her joy as she spoke about what she expects West Green Road to look like if DR Congo shocks England.
She told MyLondon: “There’s something about West Green and the Congolese love this part of England. We are all waiting and hoping. I feel like we can win. I will be at my shop sewing, but I will be looking to see if people are celebrating. If we win, I know people will be enjoying themselves, and it will be our day.
“I decided to open my shop here seven years ago because I knew this area was good for business and for Congolese people. I can’t wait for the game – it’s so exciting!”
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