Wissa double sends Congo DR to historic World Cup knockout stage against Uzbekistan

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·28 de junho de 2026

Wissa double sends Congo DR to historic World Cup knockout stage against Uzbekistan

Congo DR came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3–1 and reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since competing as Zaire in 1974. Eldor Shomurodov's superb chipped opener at 10 minutes gave Uzbekistan the lead, but Yoane Wissa's 68th-minute penalty levelled the score before Fiston Mayele's go-ahead goal at 78 minutes and Wissa's second in stoppage time completed a memorable comeback.

The result lifted Congo DR to four points in Group K, securing advancement as one of the best third-placed teams. Uzbekistan's debut World Cup campaign ended without a point after conceding three unanswered goals following their captain's early strike. GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from Congo DR v Uzbekistan.

Vídeos OneFootball

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Winners

Yoane Wissa (Congo DR)

Wissa delivered the most decisive individual performance of the match, scoring twice to complete Congo DR's comeback from a goal down. His 68th-minute penalty and 90+1' finish sealed a historic victory that sent his nation to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

The forward won the crucial penalty himself when Abdukodir Khusanov fouled him inside the area, then stepped up to convert from the spot with a composed right-footed finish. His second goal came in stoppage time when he latched onto a loose ball following Mayele's effort, pulling it onto his right foot and finishing into the corner.

Wissa's brace transformed what had been a frustrating evening—he earlier missed chances at 29 and 50 minutes—into one of the greatest nights in Congolese football history. His goals ensured the nation progressed beyond the group stage for the first time, erasing memories of their 1974 World Cup exit as Zaire.

Fiston Mayele (Congo DR)

Mayele entered as a substitute at 51 minutes and transformed Congo DR's attacking fortunes, scoring the goal that put his side ahead for the first time. His introduction for Cedric Bakambu proved the decisive tactical change of the match.

The striker scored at 78 minutes by stretching to divert a deflected Meschack Elia shot past goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov. Beyond his goal, Mayele consistently threatened with chances at 60, 75, and 89 minutes, his movement and directness troubling Uzbekistan's tiring defence throughout.

Mayele also initiated the third goal with his effort that created the loose ball for Wissa to finish. His relentless pressure in the final 40 minutes gave Congo DR the cutting edge they lacked while trailing, vindicating Sebastien Desabre's decision to introduce him.

Loser

Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan)

The defender's match was defined by the penalty he conceded at 68 minutes, fouling Wissa inside the area to gift Congo DR the equalizer that sparked their comeback. Already on a yellow card from 43 minutes for a late challenge on the same player, Khusanov's poorly-timed left-footed tackle proved catastrophic.

His inability to avoid fouling Wissa when it mattered most directly reversed the momentum, with Congo DR scoring three times after the penalty while Uzbekistan managed none. The error came at the worst possible time, turning a potential historic point into a collapse.

While Khusanov made clearances and blocks during sustained Congo DR pressure, his decisive error overshadowed any positive contributions. His foul transformed Uzbekistan from potential World Cup point-winners into defeated debutants, ending their tournament campaign without a single point from three matches.