DR Congo vs Uzbekistan FIFA World Cup match result: Yoane Wissa brace powers Congo into knockouts for first time after 3-1 win over Uzbekistan

The Leopards have roared into the history books. Congo produced a sensational second-half comeback to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Sunday, securing a monumental spot in the World Cup knockout stage for the very first time in their national history.Making only their second appearance at football's ultimate showpiece after a painful 52-year absence, the African nation staged a tactical masterclass after the break. A clinical second-half brace from Yoane Wissa and a sharp strike from Fiston Mayele sealed the historic win, ensuring Congo joins Cape Verde as another massive surprise qualifier for the Round of 32.

Congo’s dream seemed to be slipping away early in the match when Uzbekistan's star forward Eldor Shomurodov struck in the 10th minute.

Shomurodov executed a brilliant, measured lob over the Congolese goalkeeper to hand the Asian side an early 1-0 advantage, a result that looked set to eliminate the African team.However, Sébastien Desabre’s resilient squad refused to drop their heads. Having already stunned the world by holding Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal to a fighting 1-1 draw in their opening group game, Congo found their rhythm and completely dominated the physical battles in the second half.

The relentless pressure finally paid dividends in the 68th minute. Dangerous forward Yoane Wissa burst into the penalty box and was clumsily brought down by Uzbek defender Abdukodir Khusanov, prompting the referee to point straight to the penalty spot. Wissa calmly dusted himself off, stepped up, and coolly sent goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov the wrong way to trigger an action-packed finale.Ten minutes later, the turnaround was complete. Winger Meschack Elia unleashed a powerful shot that took a wicked deflection, and a quick-thinking Fiston Mayele cleverly flicked the ball past a stranded Nematov at the near post to put Congo 2-1 ahead.As Uzbekistan threw bodies forward in a desperate bid to equalize during stoppage time, Congo caught them sleeping on the counter-attack. Wissa picked up the ball on the edge of the area and curled a beautiful, pinpoint strike into the bottom corner to put the result beyond any doubt, sparking wild celebrations on the Congolese bench.