Two late goals from Harry Kane saw England turn the game around in Atlanta as the Three Lions avoided an all-time World Cup shock following Brian Cipenga's early opener.
However, the result was thrown into insignificance shortly after full-time, following the update delivered to Desabre by the DR Congo media officer.
"Thank you. However, we are informing you that the coach has lost his father; our sincere condolences."
The footage of the incident appeared indicate the news was not known to Desabre at the time it was announced to the world as he simply thanked the gathered media before departing.
Desabre also hailed the fight shown by his players against Thomas Tuchel's England on their first WC appearance as DR Congo after finishing as the best third place team in the group stages of the tournament.
"We're disappointed because we believed we could do it. Perhaps we lacked a bit of experience at the end, but that's football. We learn, we continue to improve and move forward calmly.
"We fought like the Congolese people. We played good football against one of the best teams in the world. That's what we'll remember."