The Democratic Republic of Congo has qualified for a World Cup for the first time since the 1974 tournament in Germany. The 1-0 (0-0, 0-0) after extra time in the playoffs against Jamaica secured the team from Africa the penultimate ticket for the World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the USA. In Group K the country will face Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia. In 1974 the country was still called Zaire.
The last ticket for the World Cup, which begins on June 11th with the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, will go to either Iraq or Bolivia on the German night. The two teams will face each other in the World Cup Stadium in Monterrey from 5:00 a.m. CEST.
In front of 39,983 spectators in the World Cup stadium in Guadalajara, Axel Tuanzebe scored 1-0 for DR Congo in the 100th minute. The Burnley FC professional redeemed the fans after numerous missed opportunities and goals disallowed due to offside in regular time.
Referee is injured and has to be replaced
An injury to referee Facundo Tello in the second half of extra time caused an unusual delay. The Argentine grabbed his left calf and left the pitch after a few minutes. Dario Herrera, who had previously been the fourth official on the sidelines, was responsible for the remaining game time.
DR Congo had the better chances in the first half but couldn’t capitalize on any of them. Even after the break, coach Sebastien Desabre’s team was quickly back in good positions, but without taking the lead. Jamaica, led by ex-Bundesliga professional Leon Bailey, was the team with significantly less ball possession this time after the 1-0 win in the previous round against New Caledonia.
Bailey had a good header chance in the 67th minute, but didn’t put the attempt on target. After taking the lead, DR Congo missed two great opportunities to make it 2-0 and therefore had to tremble until the final whistle. Afterwards there was great cheering on the lawn and in the stands.
