Wissa’s heroics send DR Congo to historic World Cup knockout stage

DR Congo produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 in their decisive FIFA World Cup Group K clash at Atlanta Stadium on Sunday, securing a place in the Round of 32 after overturning an early deficit.

Knowing only victory would keep their World Cup dream alive, Sébastien Desabre’s side showed remarkable resilience after falling behind to claim one of the tournament's best third-place qualification spots.

Yoane Wissa starred with two goals, while substitute Fiston Mayele added the crucial go-ahead strike in an impressive turnaround.

The contest began in dramatic fashion as Uzbekistan thought they had taken the lead inside the opening minute, only for Eldor Shomurodov’s close-range finish to be ruled out for offside.

The striker would not be denied for long.

Ten minutes into the match, a misunderstanding between goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka gifted Uzbekistan an opening.

Abbosbek Fayzullayev flicked the ball into Shomurodov’s path, and the experienced forward calmly lifted a delightful chipped finish over the stranded Mpasi to score Uzbekistan's first-ever FIFA World Cup goal.

DR Congo responded positively and believed they had equalised midway through the first half when Nathanaël Mbuku unleashed a stunning long-range strike.

However, following a VAR review, the goal was disallowed after officials ruled that Mbuku had committed a foul on Sherzod Nasrullaev during the build-up.

Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, the Leopards trailed 1-0 at halftime, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

The second half brought a dramatic shift in momentum. DR Congo increased the pressure and were rewarded in the 66th minute when Abdukodir Khusanov brought down Wissa inside the penalty area.

The Newcastle United forward confidently converted the resulting spot-kick, sending goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov the wrong way to level the scores.

Desabre’s substitutions transformed the contest, with fresh legs injecting renewed energy into the attack.

Ten minutes after the equaliser, substitute Meschack Elia burst into the penalty area and saw his effort deflect kindly into the path of fellow substitute Mayele, who reacted instinctively to poke home from close range and complete the comeback.

Uzbekistan pushed desperately for another equaliser, but their challenge faded as fatigue set in.

Deep into stoppage time, Elia once again turned provider, finding Wissa on the edge of the area.

The striker shifted onto his right foot before drilling a superb low finish into the corner to seal victory and spark jubilant celebrations among the Congolese supporters.

The statistics reflected DR Congo’s superiority, with the African side producing an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.35 compared to Uzbekistan’s 0.28.

Their relentless attacking display after the interval fully deserved the result.

The victory sends DR Congo into the knockout rounds, where they will face England in a mouth-watering Round of 32 encounter.

Uzbekistan, despite making history through Shomurodov’s landmark goal, exit the tournament after three consecutive defeats.

Photos