DR Congo Rally Past Uzbekistan 3-1 To Reach World Cup Knockouts For First Time

DR Congo overturned a first-half deficit against Uzbekistan to secure a historic first-ever place in the World Cup knockouts.

DR Congo came from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 and secure a historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout stage, setting up a Round-of-32 clash with England in Atlanta.

Needing a positive result in their final Group K match, the Congolese recovered from an early setback to claim all three points and finish third in the group.

Uzbekistan struck first when Eldor Shomurodov capitalised on a defensive mix-up between Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, lifting the ball over the goalkeeper after the pair hesitated to clear a loose ball.

The Central Asians controlled much of the first half and looked the more threatening side, but DR Congo remained dangerous on the counter and had a goal ruled out before Nathanael Mbuku forced a save with a powerful effort.

DR Congo emerged from the halftime with greater urgency and were rewarded when Yoane Wissa won a penalty after being brought down by Abdukodir Khusanov inside the area. The Newcastle United forward calmly converted from the spot to level the scores.

The turnaround was completed when Fiston Mayele reacted quickest to a deflected Meschack Elia shot, poking the ball past goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov from close range.

Wissa sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, drilling a precise finish into the far corner from the edge of the box to spark celebrations among the Congolese players and supporters.

The win sends DR Congo into the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time, where they will face England in Atlanta on Wednesday.