Yoane Wissa scored two as the Democratic Republic of Congo fought from behind to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta and book a round of 32 clash against England.
The Newcastle forward was the star of the show as he scored his second and third goals of the tournament to ensure his side clinched third in Group K with DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup victory. Wissa was also on target as the Leopards drew with Portugal on matchday one.
What’s now DR Congo’s most glorious footballing victory, nearly wasn’t to be. Uzbekistan opened the scoring after a quick start through captain Eldor Shomurodov. He found the back in the opening minute, only for it to be chalked off for offside.
DR Congo, who needed a win to progress, were then sparked into action. Although Nathan Mbuku’s equaliser was ruled out after his flailing arm caught Sherzod Nasrullaev in the face during the build-up, Wissa provided the lifeline. The 29-year-old was caught in the box by Abdukodir Khusanov and stepped up to coolly convert his penalty.
Fiston Mayele, a second-half substitute, put Congo’s noses in front for the first time before Wissa arrowed in a third to seal the win. The same stage that saw DR Congo claim a famous victory will house their first knockout tie against England on Wednesday.
More to follow…
The key moments from Atlanta…
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1: OFFSIDE, NO GOAL! Uzbekistan nearly take an early lead, straight from kick-off. Skipper Shomurodov beats Mpasi but the flag goes up instantly for offside.
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10: GOAL! Shomurodov takes full advantage of a DR Congo mess at the back, lobbing the ball over Mpasi, who is caught in no man’s land.
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18: GOAL! Nathan Mbuku fires DR Congo level, but it’s immediately checked by VAR.
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19: NO GOAL! VAR rules out Mbuku’s equaliser for a foul in the build-up.
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35: DR CONGO WANT A PENALTY! Cipenga goes down in the area after Alidzhanov places two hands on the forward. It looks like a push!
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66: PENALTY TO DR CONGO! Khusanov catches Wissa in the area with a swing and a miss.
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68: GOAL! Wissa sends Nematov the wrong way with a coolly taken penalty.
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78: GOAL! Mayele pokes DR Congo in front to complete the comeback.
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90+1: GOAL! Wissa fires from range to seal DR Congo’s spot in the round of 32.
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