The Democratic Republic of Congo marked their long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup with a memorable achievement on Wednesday, earning their first-ever point at the tournament after battling to a 1-1 draw against Portugal.
Yoane Wissa emerged as the hero for the Leopards, scoring a superb second-half equaliser to cancel out João Neves’ early opener and deny Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal all three points.
Making their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, DR Congo faced one of the tournament favourites but displayed remarkable resilience and discipline throughout the contest.
Portugal dominated possession for much of the game, controlling nearly 80 per cent of the ball in the first half and repeatedly testing the Congolese defence. The Leopards were forced to sit deep and remain compact, while Wissa and Cédric Bakambu worked tirelessly to disrupt Portugal’s attacking rhythm.
The Europeans took the lead in the sixth minute through Neves, raising fears that the Congolese comeback dream could quickly unravel. However, coach Sebastien Desabre’s side refused to be intimidated, showing determination and composure despite spending long periods without possession.
Whenever they regained the ball, the Leopards attacked with purpose and confidence, eventually earning a deserved equaliser through Wissa to write a new chapter in the nation’s football history.
For more than five decades, Congolese football has carried the painful memories of the former Zaire team’s difficult World Cup campaign in West Germany in 1974. On Wednesday, however, the Leopards replaced those memories with pride, securing a historic result that signals a promising new era for football in the Central African nation.
