Yoane Wissa scored twice as DR Congo came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta, securing their place in the World Cup last 32 for the first time in the nation’s history. The victory, which marked the Leopards’ maiden win at a World Cup finals, sets up a last-32 showdown with England at the same venue on Wednesday.
Wissa Brace Inspires Historic Comeback
The African side fell behind early to a lobbed finish from Eldor Shomurodov, who lifted the ball over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Uzbekistan’s captain had seen an effort ruled out for offside after just 30 seconds, but he found the net legitimately shortly afterwards to give his side the lead.
DR Congo’s response required patience. Nathanaël Mbuku appeared to have levelled with a precise strike, but VAR intervened to disallow the goal for a foul in the buildup. The breakthrough arrived when Abdukodir Khusanov fouled Wissa inside the area, allowing the Newcastle forward to convert the resulting penalty and ignite the crowd of nearly 70,000.
Just two minutes later, Fiston Mayele nipped ahead of the goalkeeper to turn home a deflected Meschack Elia effort and complete the turnaround. Wissa sealed the historic victory in stoppage time, curling a strike into the far corner to register his third goal of the tournament.
England Test Awaits in Atlanta
The result confirms DR Congo’s progression alongside a strong African contingent at the expanded tournament. While Tunisia have been eliminated, Algeria could yet join the Leopards in the knockout phase.
Head coach Sébastien Desabre immediately turned his attention to the England fixture. “We’ll start work immediately on preparing,” he said. “We’ve got a few players in the squad who play at clubs in the English league, so they will help us, but we’ll prepare in the best way we can for what is going to be a very big match for us.”
The benefit of remaining in Atlanta provides DR Congo with continuity, avoiding travel disruptions ahead of facing the European side. England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, will present a stern examination; the Three Lions have never lost against an African side at the World Cup and carry attacking threats in Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
For Uzbekistan, the defeat concluded a maiden World Cup campaign that coach Fabio Cannavaro had hoped would end with a victory to serve as legacy. “The World Cup is brutal,” Cannavaro said. “The players gave everything. They are sad in the changing room.”