GistReel
DR Congo made history by reaching the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time after fighting back to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure a Round of 32 clash against England.
The Central Africans overturned a first-half deficit in their final Group K match to finish third and earn one of the tournament’s best third-placed qualification spots.
The victory sets up a meeting with Group L winners England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
DR Congo respond after early setback
Uzbekistan took the lead after benefiting from a defensive mistake involving Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
The pair hesitated while dealing with a loose ball, allowing Eldor Shomurodov to race through and calmly chip the goalkeeper.
Uzbekistan controlled much of the first half and threatened to increase their advantage, while DR Congo also thought they had equalised before seeing a goal ruled out for a foul earlier in the move.
Nathanael Mbuku also went close before the break as the African side searched for a response.
Wissa inspires famous comeback
DR Congo returned for the second half with greater urgency and were rewarded when Yoane Wissa won a penalty after being brought down inside the area by Abdukodir Khusanov.
The Newcastle United forward converted the spot-kick himself to restore parity.
The game then swung in DR Congo’s favour as Fiston Mayele completed the turnaround, reacting quickest to prod home after Meschack Elia’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 to spark celebrations among the DR Congo players and supporters.
The win confirmed DR Congo’s place in the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history.
They finished third in Group K and will now face England in the Round of 32, while Uzbekistan’s World Cup campaign came to an end after failing to hold on to their early lead.