Congo DR vs Uzbekistan Full Match
On June 27, 2026, DR Congo and Uzbekistan faced off in a high-stakes World Cup encounter. The match promised a clash of styles, with both nations eager to secure a crucial result in their pursuit of international glory.
Uzbekistan's Early Breakthrough
Uzbekistan started the match with intent and didn't have to wait long to see their efforts rewarded. In the 10th minute, Eldor Shomurodov silenced the Congolese supporters with a clinical left-footed finish into the top right corner following an assist from Akmal Mozgovoy. DR Congo thought they had found a route back into the game just seven minutes later when Nathanaël Mbuku found the net, but the goal was ultimately overturned by VAR, leaving the African side frustrated.
The remainder of the first half was a feisty affair, characterized by tactical battles and several bookings. Noah Sadiki and Nathanaël Mbuku both saw yellow as tensions rose. Despite several attempts from Yoane Wissa and Chancel Mbemba, the Uzbek defense held firm, and the Asian side went into the break with a slender 1-0 lead.
The Congolese Resurgence
Everything changed in the second half as DR Congo emerged with renewed energy. The introduction of Fiston Mayele for Cédric Bakambu proved to be a turning point. The pressure finally told in the 66th minute when Abdukodir Khusanov committed a foul in the penalty area. Yoane Wissa stepped up to the spot and calmly dispatched his penalty into the bottom right corner to level the score at 1-1.
The momentum had shifted entirely, and the Leopards took the lead in the 78th minute. Fiston Mayele justified his substitution by reacting quickest in the box to fire a right-footed shot into the top left corner from close range. Uzbekistan attempted to fight back with a triple substitution, but they struggled to regain their rhythm against a dominant Congolese side.
Wissa Seals the Victory
As the match entered eight minutes of stoppage time, DR Congo put the result beyond doubt. In the 91st minute, Meschack Elia provided his second assist of the day, setting up Yoane Wissa for a spectacular long-range strike. Wissa’s right-footed effort from outside the box flew into the bottom right corner, securing his brace and a two-goal cushion for his team.
In the dying moments, Théo Bongonda and Ngal'ayel Mukau both went close to adding a fourth, but the final whistle blew to confirm a 3-1 victory for DR Congo. It was a tale of two halves, with the African side showing incredible character to overturn an early deficit and claim all three points on this historic matchday.
