England face Congo 'voodoo hoodoo' after overcoming witch doctor's curse

England have already overcome a witch doctor's curse to keep their World Cup dreams alive - now they face the threat of a voodoo hoodoo.

Their DR Congo opponents in the last 32 clash on Wednesday were accused of casting spells during a match to help them qualify for the football fest for the first time in 52 years. Nigerias head coach Eric Chelle alleged Congolese players put a hex on his team during a penalty shootout.

He said he saw at least one violently shaking water or something like that to cast a spell during the spot kicks. DR Congo won 4-3 on penalties after the two teams drew 1-1 in the Confederation of African Football World Cup play-off final in November.

After defender Chancel Mbemba fired home the winning penalty Chelle was seen confronting his rival coaching staff on the touchline - including the DR Congo manager Sbastien Desabre. The Nigeria boss had to be held back by his own coaches.

He said afterwards: DR Congo guys were doing maraboutage. That refers to a set of magical practices performed by a marabout - technically a Muslim holy man with witch doctor connotations in north and west Africa.

They use amulets in small cloth pouches containing ritual items, verses and herbs - known as gris-gris - as protective charms or curses. Chelle told journalists after the match: During all the penalty session a guy of Congo did some voodoo - every time, every time, every time. So this is why I was a little nervous after him.

Asked what he saw he repeatedly shook his right fist in the air and said: Something like that. I dont know if its a water or something like that. I dont know.

DR Congo denied Chelles claim. Manager Desabre said the altercation was not an issue. Chelle later tried to diffuse the scandal by apologising for his post-match remarks.

He said in a statement: Football is all about emotions. After the match I reacted in the heat of the moment because of an altercation with a member of the DR Congo staff who was trying to come into my technical area.

I never meant to target the Congolese people or their staff, whom I respect. I am disappointed that we have been eliminated, but proud of my players. Congratulations to Congo who were the better team. Their fans showed great enthusiasm, as did ours. We will move forward together.

But Chelle, 48, a former defender for French clubs Valenciennes and Lens and an ex-Mali international, did not retract his claims. After their victory over Nigeria, DR Congo secured their spot in the World Cup by defeating Jamaica 1-0 in extra time in an Intercontinental Play-off in Guadalajara, Mexico, in March.

It is the first time the team - known as The Leopards - have qualified for the tournament since 1974 when they were called Zaire and went home early after losing all three group games - including a 2-0 defeat by Scotland - without scoring a goal.

This time they produced one of the shocks of the tournament by drawing 1-1 with Cristiano Ronaldos Portugal before qualifying for their showdown with the Three Lions thanks to a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan.

The voodoo threat comes after a Ghanaian witch doctor put a curse on Harry Kane to stop him scoring when the two nations met during the group stages. The game finished 0-0 with the England captain firing blanks.

Afterwards witch doctor Nana Kwaku Bonsam said he had lifted his hex on Kane - who he loved like a brother and would name his son after - allowing the striker to start scoring again in the final group game against Panama.

Kane duly obliged - netting the second goal in the Three Lions 2-0 victory to secure their spot in the knockouts.

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