DR Congo’s “Leopards” wrote the most dramatic script of this World Cup group stage in a single night. After losing their opening two matches to Portugal and Colombia, their path to the knockout rounds existed only in theory; facing Uzbekistan, they fell behind before halftime yet scored three late goals to win 3-1 and reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in history.
The match did not start smoothly. In the seventh minute, Mabuku’s goal was ruled out; ten minutes later, Uzbekistan striker Shomurodov scored with a clever curling finish—he had earlier had another goal chalked off for offside. The Central Asian side briefly held victory in their hands, while DR Congo needed someone to step up and change the course. In the 68th minute, Wissa stepped up to the penalty spot to level the score; then Meshak Elia’s shot deflected to Meyele, who poked it home to complete the turnaround. In stoppage time, Wissa scored again to seal a 3-1 win.
Desabre did not shy away from the passive start after the match. He told FIFA.com that the team “knows how to respond after conceding,” and today’s attacking intensity also showed that DR Congo are “fully capable of scoring goals.” He also admitted they gave the opposition too much space early on; the substitutions were planned in advance—players who had not featured in the first two matches provided “fresh energy,” which was the logic behind the comeback victory.
For Chinese fans, the more pressing focus is their Round of 32 opponent: England. The Three Lions, fourth in the world rankings, displayed a profile of high possession and sustained pressure on opponents during the World Cup group stage; DR Congo will need to carry today’s efficiency in the closing minutes into a match against higher-intensity pressing. Desabre has already set the timeline—“start preparing immediately”—and noted that players in the squad who play in the English league could serve as an internal source of tactical intelligence.
Uzbekistan was another disappointment: Shomurodov broke through the defense within 10 minutes, but the team could not hold onto the lead. Their opponents—ranked 50th, having drawn match after match in the group stage yet still in with a chance on the final day—were ultimately swept away by DR Congo's late surge. For Uzbekistan, it meant elimination; for DR Congo and the Congolese people, it was the "historic" moment Desabre kept invoking in interviews—extraordinary players, a proud coaching staff, and a happy nation.
