Noah Sadiki proud after helping DR Congo make World Cup history | OneFootball

Noah Sadiki says he has lived the dream after helping DR Congo make history at this summer’s World Cup finals.

The former Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder shone in his first season on Wearside, becoming a fans’ favourite with a string of eye-catching displays. He made 35 appearances as the Black Cats finished seventh and booked a Europa League league phase spot alongside AC Milan, Juventus and Olympique Marseille. According to Sunderland Echo, that form earned him a call-up for the finals in North America.

Sadiki featured twice off the bench in group games against Portugal and Colombia, then started the 3-1 win over Uzbekistan that sealed a place in the last 32.

He kept his place for the country’s first ever World Cup knockout tie, but Congo could not spring an upset against England. Brian Cipenga struck after seven minutes, before captain Harry Kane scored twice in 11 minutes to send Thomas Tuchel’s side through to face co-hosts Mexico in the last 16.

Reflecting on the campaign, Sadiki described playing on this stage as a childhood dream and admitted he was gutted it had ended. He called the Uzbekistan victory a huge moment in their history that showed what the team are capable of and gave those back home pride. He added that they have to grow from it and be ready for the next one.

Source: Sunderland Echo