Audio By Carbonatix
Congo DR completed a sensational comeback to secure progression to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time in their history, as goals from Yoane Wissa (2) and Fiston Mayele delivered a 3-1 win over eliminated Uzbekistan.
After back-to-back defeats, debutants Uzbekistan were clearly intent on claiming a positive result in their third World Cup outing, and the White Wolves thought they had taken an incredible lead after just 20 seconds at Atlanta Stadium.
That lightning effort from Eldor Shomurodov was ruled out for offside but the forward did break the deadlock shortly afterwards, getting the celebrations for his upcoming 31st birthday started a couple of days early as he looped home a delicious finish from a tight angle in the 10th minute.
Seven minutes later it was Congo DR’s turn to have an effort disallowed, with Nathanael Mbuku's precise strike chalked off for a foul in the build-up.
Shomurodov almost doubled Uzbekistan’s advantage with another delicate attempt in the 51st minute, but this time the ball dropped onto the roof of the net.
Congo DR started to apply more pressure as the game wore on, and Wissa drew them level from the penalty spot in the 68th minute.
Ten minutes later a pair of substitutes combined to put Congo DR ahead, as Meschack Elia’s shot was deflected into the path of Fiston Mayele, who applied just enough of a connection to dink the loose ball over Abduvohid Nematov and into the net.
Wissa added his second in injury time with an excellent finish from the edge of the box to ensure Congo DR's progress as one of the best third-place finishers. England will be their Round of 32 opponents in Atlanta on 1 July.
Latest Stories
-
Teacher unions declare nationwide strike over unpaid promotion arrears and delayed negotiations
4 minutes -
Engage Now Africa and LDS church commission boreholes for five communities in Upper East communities
25 minutes -
GPL 2026/27: Karela United bank on home form against Hearts of Oak
34 minutes -
NPLs declined to 15.7% in August 2026
51 minutes -
Existing Cedi notes to remain legal tender alongside Heritage Series – BoG
58 minutes -
Consumer, business sentiments positive – BoG
1 hour -
There’ll be no GH¢500 Cedi note as part of Heritage Series issuance – BoG
1 hour -
Heritage Series Cedi notes to modernise cedi while preserving national identity – BoG
2 hours -
Ghana’s business environment at ‘Inflection Point’ as private Sector takes greater lead — Vish Ashiagbor
2 hours -
At least 2 new airlines could join domestic aviation market by 2027 – GCAA Director General
2 hours -
What if Ghana’s next tourism boom begins with Ghanaians?
2 hours -
Energy Commission to monitor EV charging stations
2 hours -
Invest with confidence, Ghana’s golden era is beginning – Finance Minister
2 hours -
Do Ghana to launch The Great Ghana Day Out on World Tourism Day
2 hours -
Clean up our politics before politics cleans us up
3 hours