Tuanzebe Leads DR Congo to World Cup Qualification After 52 Years

DR Congo Returns to the World Stage

The Democratic Republic of Congo secured its spot in the World Cup for the first time in over half a century, thanks to an extra-time goal from Axel Tuanzebe, clinching a 1-0 victory over Jamaica in the intercontinental play-off held at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico.

Tuanzebe, who made his national team debut earlier in 2024 after shifting his allegiance from England, emphasized that this match was the pinnacle of his career. Born in the conflict-affected city of Bunia in eastern DR Congo, he has now solidified his place in the annals of Congolese football.

While Cedric Bakambu, a forward for the Leopards, had two goals disallowed for offside throughout regular time, a tightly contested match needed an additional 30 minutes to determine the victor.

In the 100th minute, Tuanzebe found the back of the net, almost directing the ball into the goal with his torso following a corner from Brian Cipenga that deflected off Jamaican defender Joel Latibeaudiere, striking Tuanzebe on the way into the net.

Celebrations briefly halted for a VAR check on a potential handball, but the officials ultimately confirmed that Tuanzebe’s arm was not involved.

Despite Jamaica’s hopes of making a second World Cup appearance since their debut in 1998, they were unable to create meaningful chances for an equalizer.

DR Congo’s journey continues in Group K of the expanded 48-team tournament, where they will face Portugal in their opening match on June 17 in Houston, followed by matches against Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Reggae Boyz Unable to Keep Up

This encounter marked the first-ever clash between DR Congo and Jamaica, as both teams faced each other in pathway one of FIFA’s intercontinental play-offs, each motivated by recent victories.

Jamaica advanced to the play-off final by defeating New Caledonia with a solitary goal from Wrexham’s Bailey Cadamarteri, while DR Congo prepared with a 2-0 win in a friendly against Bermuda.

With a world ranking of 49, DR Congo entered the final directly, while Jamaica ranked 68. The Leopards had worked hard throughout a long qualification campaign that began back in November 2023.

Sebastien Desabre’s squad finished second in their group to Senegal and triumphed over both Cameroon and Nigeria in African play-offs, leading them to this crucial match in Mexico.

DR Congo created the better chances early on, with Bakambu’s first offside strike occurring in the fifth minute, tapping in from close range after a low cross. Meschack Elia then almost scored but was thwarted by a combination of Jamaica’s goalkeeper Andre Blake and the goal post.

The Reggae Boyz started to find their rhythm as the game progressed, under the watchful eye of interim coach Rudolph Speid, who took over after former England boss Steve McLaren’s resignation in November.

Kasey Palmer’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked by Chancel Mbemba, and just before half-time, Leon Bailey’s long-range shot skimmed across the goal.

Early in the second half, Blake made a crucial save against Bakambu’s curling shot before Bailey’s diving header narrowly missed.

Bakambu found the net again in the final five minutes, but it was ruled out due to Theo Bongonda being offside before assisting.

DR Congo largely controlled the extra time and had opportunities to finish the game decisively, with Watford’s Edo Kayembe firing over an open goal after a counter-attack. However, it was Tuanzebe’s historic goal that ultimately sealed their victory.

Exorcising Historical Ghosts

Congo supporters have waited long for the chance to rectify the memory of their only previous appearance at the World Cup in 1974.

With a population of 110 million in DR Congo and a vast global community, there is hope for a more favorable outcome this time compared to their past experience when they were known as Zaire. That campaign saw them lose all three matches, conceding 14 goals and failing to score.

Iconic instances from that World Cup include a remarkable moment when right-back Mwepu Ilunga charged the wall during a free-kick, clearing the ball and being carded, thus damaging the reputation of African football.

Now, Tuanzebe and his teammates have an opportunity to overshadow those memories. After the game, the 28-year-old expressed immense pride in contributing to his nation, especially as his father and brother watched from the stands.

DR Congo has successfully recruited several players from the diaspora who had previously competed for other nations, a strategy employed by many African countries. Former captain Gabriel Zakuani is among those working to convince players and their families, including Tuanzebe and West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, to represent DR Congo.

With Sebastien Desabre in charge since August 2022, and the Leopards having reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations under his leadership, the team hopes to blend fresh talent born abroad with local players for greater success.

The motivation to succeed is amplified by the aspirations of a population yearning for prosperity, after enduring years of conflict and hardship.

Fifty-two years is indeed a lengthy wait, but a new generation is at last poised to chase their World Cup aspirations.