DR Congo produced a remarkable turnaround to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 at Atlanta Stadium, claiming the country’s first victory at a FIFA World Cup and securing qualification for the Round of 32 for the first time in its history.
The result completed an unforgettable return to the global stage for DR Congo, who are featuring in the tournament for the first time since competing as Zaire in 1974.
The African nation progressed alongside Colombia and Portugal from Group K and will now meet England in Atlanta on 1 July.
Uzbekistan began the contest aggressively and appeared to score within the opening half-minute through Eldor Shomurodov, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
The striker responded moments later by finding the net in the 10th minute with an expertly executed finish from a narrow angle.
DR Congo briefly believed they had restored parity when Nathanael Mbuku found the back of the net, only for the referee to disallow the effort because of an infringement in the build-up.
Early in the second half, Shomurodov came close to extending Uzbekistan’s lead, but his looping effort landed on top of the net.
DR Congo steadily increased the pressure and finally levelled the score in the 68th minute after winning a penalty.
Yoane Wissa confidently converted the spot-kick to breathe fresh life into his side’s campaign.
Ten minutes later, substitute Meschack Elia created the decisive moment when his deflected shot reached fellow substitute Fiston Mayele, who calmly lifted the ball over goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov to put DR Congo ahead.
Wissa wrapped up the victory in stoppage time with a clinical strike from the edge of the penalty area, registering his second goal of the evening and sealing DR Congo’s place in the knockout rounds.
The landmark triumph ended a 52-year wait for a World Cup victory and represented one of the most memorable moments in DR Congo’s football history, keeping their dream campaign alive ahead of a last-32 clash with England.
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