DR Congo reached the World Cup knockout stage with a historic comeback win over Uzbekistan
DR Congo made history by reaching the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup for the first time after overturning defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secured a clash in the 32nd final against England.
The Central Africans overturned a first-half deficit in their final Group K game to finish third and claim one of the best third-place qualifying spots in the tournament.
The win sets up a meeting with Group L winners England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
DR Congo responds after early setback
Uzbekistan took the lead after capitalizing on a defensive error involving Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The pair hesitated as they dealt with the loose ball, allowing Eldor Shomurodov to race through and calmly slot past the keeper.
Uzbekistan controlled much of the first half and threatened to extend their lead, while DR Congo also thought they had equalized before a goal was ruled out for a foul earlier in the period.
Nathanael Mbuku also went close before the break as the African side looked for a response.
Wissa inspires a glorious comeback
DR Congo stormed back in the second half and were rewarded when Yoane Wissa won a penalty after being brought down in the penalty area by Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Newcastle United forward converted the spot-kick himself to restore parity.
The game then swung in DR Congo’s favor when Fiston Mayele completed the turnaround, reacting quickest to power home after Meschack Elio’s deflected effort fell into his path.
Wissa sealed the victory deep into stoppage time with a clinical finish from the edge of the penalty area, firing into the far corner which sparked celebrations among the DR Congo players and fans.
The win confirmed DR Congo’s place in the knockout round of the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history.
They finished third in Group K and will now face England in the last 16, while Uzbekistan’s World Cup campaign came to an end after they failed to hold on to their early lead.
