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DR Congo have secured a place in the last 32 of the World Cup for the first time in their history after a dramatic 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan on Saturday, a result sealed by a Yoane Wissa brace that also earned them a knockout-stage clash with England.
The African side, roared on by a heavily Congolese crowd in Atlanta, recovered from a shock early setback when Uzbekistan captain Eldor Shomurodov produced a delicate lob over Lionel Mpasi just minutes into the contest.
Although his initial effort was ruled offside after a rapid start, Shomurodov would soon find his moment, finishing a composed second attempt from a tight angle to give the debutants a surprise lead.
DR Congo responded with increasing urgency but was initially frustrated. Nathanael Mbuku saw a superb equaliser ruled out after VAR adjudged a soft foul in the build-up on Sherzod Nasrullaev.
Uzbekistan, already aware that qualification was mathematically unlikely due to goal difference, still played with intensity under the guidance of Fabio Cannavaro, who had urged his side to secure a “legacy” win in their maiden World Cup appearance.
Momentum shifted decisively two minutes later. Meschack Elia’s deflected effort created confusion in the Uzbek defence, allowing Fiston Mayele to react quickest and poke home what became the decisive goal, sending the stadium into celebration.
Wissa then completed the comeback in stoppage time with a composed curling finish from the edge of the area, taking his tournament tally to three goals and underlining his growing influence.
The result continues a strong showing for African teams at the tournament, with only Tunisia eliminated so far and several nations still progressing into the knockout rounds.
