The Democratic Republic of Congo booked their place at the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off final in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Defender Axel Tuanzebe emerged as the unlikely hero, scoring in the 100th minute to send the Leopards back to football’s biggest stage. The former England youth international, who switched allegiance in 2024, bundled home from close range after a deflected corner sparked jubilant celebrations among the Congolese camp.
The match remained tightly contested throughout normal time. Striker Cédric Bakambu twice found the net, only for both goals to be ruled out for offside. Jamaica, hoping to reach their second World Cup, struggled to create clear-cut chances, while DR Congo controlled large portions of the game.
Tuanzebe’s decisive moment came in extra time when a curling corner from Brian Cipenga glanced off a defender and struck him before crossing the line. A brief VAR check for handball delayed celebrations, but the goal stood, confirming a historic qualification.
Congo fans have waited decades to rewrite the painful memories of their only previous appearance at the 1974 FIFA World Cup, when the nation competed as Zaire. With more than 110 million people back home and a vast global diaspora, hopes are now high that this new generation can deliver a far more competitive showing on the world stage.
The result ends a long qualification journey that began in 2023 and included navigating tough African play-offs before the final hurdle. DR Congo will now feature in Group K of the expanded 48-team tournament, opening against Portugal in Houston on June 17, followed by fixtures against Colombia and Uzbekistan.
For Tuanzebe and his teammates, the victory represents more than just football — it is a moment of pride, unity, and redemption for a nation returning to the global stage after more than half a century.
Source: BBC
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