The Democratic Republic of the Congo have finally returned to football’s grandest stage, ending a 52-year World Cup absence after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Jamaica in a tense inter-confederation playoff.
It was a night of high drama at Estadio Guadalajara, where Axel Tuanzebe emerged as the unlikely hero, scrambling home the decisive goal in the 100th minute of extra time to shatter Jamaican resistance.
The late strike was not without controversy, as a VAR check for a possible handball delayed celebrations. But after a nervy wait, the goal stood—triggering wild jubilation among the Congolese players and fans.
DR Congo dominated large spells of the encounter but found clear-cut chances hard to come by. Cédric Bakambu came closest early in the second half, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Andre Blake.
Jamaica grew into the contest as the game wore on, with Leon Bailey missing their best opportunity—a diving header that drifted wide in the 67th minute.
The Congolese continued to press, seeing a goal ruled out for offside before Blake once again came to Jamaica’s rescue, stopping a clever backheel effort from Bakambu.
But persistence paid off when Tuanzebe struck his first international goal at the most crucial moment, sealing a historic qualification.
“We’re really delighted,” Bakambu said after the match. “It hasn’t sunk in yet, but when we get back to Kinshasa, it’s going to be crazy.”
The victory marks DR Congo’s first World Cup appearance since 1974, when they competed as Zaire, and confirms them as Africa’s 10th representative at the tournament.
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