Yoane Wissa starred as the Democratic Republic of Congo staged a stunning second-half turnaround to beat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday in Atlanta, earning their first-ever World Cup victory and a spot in the knockout stage.
Uzbekistan had looked threatening early and briefly believed they’d gone ahead inside 30 seconds when Dostonbek Khamdamov’s shot was spilled to captain Eldor Shomurodov, who slotted home, only for the flag to cut the celebration short for offside.
That early scare proved to be the game’s only Uzbekistan highlight for long stretches; they did take a halftime lead, leaving DR Congo with work to do.
The hosts dramatically flipped the script after the break. Wissa levelled from the penalty spot, then substitute Fiston Mayele put DR Congo in front.
Deep into stoppage time, Newcastle United forward Wissa sealed the result with a third goal, triggering jubilant scenes among the Congolese players and fans.
The victory sent DR Congo into the Round of 32 as Group K’s third-placed side, where they’ll face England on Wednesday. It also represented a historic milestone: DR Congo’s first World Cup win and their best showing since their sole previous appearance in 1974.
For Uzbekistan, the result rounded off a disappointing debut World Cup campaign. They finish bottom of the group with three defeats, unable to convert early promise into points despite leading for much of the first half.
Shomurodov’s moment, however, came soon after. In the 10th minute Abbosbek Fayzullaev flicked on a long ball and the striker burst past Aaron Wan-Bissaka, then cleverly dinked a finish over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi from a tight angle to put Uzbekistan ahead.
DR Congo thought they had levelled seven minutes later when Nathanael Mbuku slammed home after good work from Brian Cipenga down the left. A lengthy VAR check overturned the goal, though, after cameras showed Mbuku’s trailing hand struck defender Sherzod Nasrullaev in the build-up.
After the break the Congolese bossed possession but struggled to turn control into clear chances, frustration rising as opportunities went begging.
The deadlock finally broke in the 69th minute when Abdukodir Khusanov clipped Wissa inside the box. The striker, who has battled injuries this season, kept his composure from the spot, sending goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov the wrong way to make it 1-1.
That equaliser swung the momentum DR Congo’s way, and they completed the comeback nine minutes later. Meschack Elia’s shot was blocked but the rebound fell invitingly into the area; substitute Fiston Mayele reacted fastest and lofted the ball delicately over Nematov to take the lead.
Uzbekistan pressed for a response, but Wissa delivered the killer blow one minute into stoppage time. With space to cut inside from the edge of the box, he curled a low drive into the corner and then sprinted the length of the pitch in celebration as teammates poured forward.
The win prolongs DR Congo’s World Cup run and sets up a tantalising clash with England, while Uzbekistan return home still seeking their first point on football’s biggest stage.
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