DR Congo Set Up England Showdown After Stunning Comeback Against Uzbekistan

DR Congo Set Up England Showdown After Stunning Comeback Against Uzbekistan

By Niyi Busari 

Yoane Wissa scored twice as DR Congo produced a thrilling comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday, securing a place in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the nation's history, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The victory also marked DR Congo's first-ever World Cup win and set up a last-32 clash against England.

Uzbekistan made a dream start in Atlanta when captain Eldor Shomurodov opened the scoring with a sublime lob over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi after just 10 minutes. The Italians-coached side had earlier thought they had taken the lead within the opening minute, but Shomurodov's effort was ruled out for offside.

Despite the early setback, DR Congo gradually found their rhythm. Nathanael Mbuku appeared to have equalised with a superb strike into the top corner, only for VAR to disallow the goal after determining he had committed a foul on Sherzod Nasrullaev in the build-up.

The Congolese side continued to push forward, and their persistence paid off midway through the second half. Manchester City's Abdukodir Khusanov brought down Wissa inside the penalty area, allowing the Newcastle United forward to calmly convert from the spot and restore parity.

Just two minutes later, DR Congo completed the turnaround. Meschack Elia's deflected effort fell kindly for Fiston Mayele, who reacted quickest to flick the ball beyond goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov, sending the largely Congolese crowd into celebration.

Wissa sealed a memorable victory deep into stoppage time, curling a composed finish into the far corner for his third goal of the tournament and capping off a historic night for the Leopards.

Although Uzbekistan entered the match with only the slimmest mathematical chance of progressing, head coach Fabio Cannavaro urged his players to pursue victory to cap off the country's maiden World Cup appearance. They responded with an energetic display but were ultimately unable to withstand DR Congo's second-half resurgence.

The result continues an impressive campaign for African nations at the tournament. DR Congo become one of several African teams to advance to the knockout stage, underlining the continent's growing influence on football's biggest stage.