DR Congo Rally to Beat Uzbekistan 3-1, Set Up Round of 32 Clash With England

The Democratic Republic of Congo produced a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday, securing their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup knockout stage and setting up a Round of 32 showdown with England.

Inspired by a brilliant second-half display from Yoane Wissa, who scored twice, the Leopards overturned an early deficit to record their maiden World Cup victory and book a place in the last 32.

The result sees DR Congo finish third in Group K, while Uzbekistan's World Cup campaign comes to an end despite an encouraging first-half performance.

Uzbekistan made the brighter start and deservedly took the lead after just 10 minutes through captain Eldor Shomurodov.

The striker capitalised on a costly defensive misunderstanding between Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, calmly lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper after being presented with the opportunity.

Buoyed by the breakthrough, Uzbekistan dominated large spells of the opening half, moving the ball confidently and repeatedly testing the Congolese defence.

Despite their struggles, DR Congo thought they had found an equaliser before the interval, only for the effort to be ruled out after the referee penalised an earlier foul during the build-up.

The African side emerged after the restart with renewed urgency, pushing Uzbekistan deeper into their own half as qualification began to slip away.

Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Abdukodir Khusanov brought down Yoane Wissa inside the penalty area.

The Newcastle United forward stepped up himself and calmly converted from the spot to level the contest.

Momentum immediately swung in DR Congo's favour.

Just 10 minutes later, Fiston Mayele completed the comeback, reacting quickest to a loose ball after Meschack Elia's deflected effort to poke home from close range and give the Leopards a 2-1 lead.

With Uzbekistan committing players forward in search of an equaliser, DR Congo struck one final time deep into stoppage time.

Receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Meschack Elia, Wissa drove confidently towards the edge of the penalty area before drilling a precise finish into the far corner to complete his brace and put the result beyond doubt.

The late strike capped a memorable night for the Central African nation, whose resilience and attacking quality transformed the contest after a difficult first half.

The victory sends DR Congo into the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in the country's history.

The Leopards will now face England in the Round of 32 on Wednesday in Atlanta, where they will attempt to continue one of the tournament's most inspiring stories.

For Uzbekistan, elimination brings an end to a campaign that showed promise but ultimately lacked the consistency needed to progress beyond the group stage.