DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan: Leopards Rally to Reach Knockout Stage for First Time

DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan: Leopards Rally to Reach Knockout Stage for First Time

Uzbekistan took the lead in the 10th minute when Eldor Shomurodov capitalized on a mistake in the DR Congo backline and executed a delicate lob over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. The Central Asian side had even put the ball in the net after just 20 seconds, but it was ruled out for offside. DR Congo dominated possession for the remainder of the first half but were unable to find the equalizer before the break.

In the second half, DR Congo increased the pressure and were finally rewarded in the 68th minute. Yoane Wissa was fouled inside the penalty area by Abdukodir Khusanov and stepped up to convert the penalty, leveling the score at 1-1. In the 78th minute, substitutes combined perfectly as Meschack Elia's shot deflected, allowing Fiston Mayele to cleverly touch the ball into the net from close range to give the Leopards the lead.

In stoppage time, Wissa completed his brace with a powerful shot from outside the box, sealing the 3-1 victory. The victory gave DR Congo their first-ever World Cup win in their first appearance since 1974 and their first-ever qualification to the knockout stage . They finished third in Group K with four points and will face England in the Round of 32.