FIFA World Cup-bound DR Congo held by Denmark in Belgium

The encounter came amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Leopards' build-up to the global showpiece following the cancellation of their scheduled friendly against Chile next week in Spain.

According to New Straits Times, DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre had expressed a willingness to play the Chile match behind closed doors.

However, the mayor of La Linea de la Concepcion, the Spanish town set to host the fixture, signed a decree cancelling the game due to concerns linked to the recent Ebola outbreak in the Central African nation.

Despite the off-field disruptions, DR Congo produced a disciplined performance against Denmark in front of a crowd of approximately 23,000 spectators, many of whom were members of Belgium's sizeable Congolese community.

The Leopards are preparing for their first FIFA World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed under the name Zaire. Their preparations were significantly altered after a planned training camp in DR Congo was cancelled following the outbreak of Ebola last month.

Instead, the squad has remained based in Belgium as they finalise plans ahead of the tournament.

Adding to the challenges facing the team, United States authorities announced on May 22 that the Congolese squad would need to undergo a 21-day isolation period before being permitted entry into the country for the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

DR Congo are expected to base themselves in Houston during the tournament and will begin their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17.

They will then travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, to face Colombia on June 23 before returning to the United States for their final group-stage fixture against Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.