Wissa Inspires Congo DR’s 3-1 Comeback vs Uzbekistan

Congo DR 3-1 Uzbekistan: World Cup Group Stage Drama

Congo DR roared back from a goal down to stun Uzbekistan 3-1 in a World Cup Group Stage classic, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa scoring twice to complete a second-half masterclass. What began as a potential Uzbek upset turned into a demonstration of African resilience under the floodlights.

Uzbekistan’s Early Dream Start

Eldor Shomurodov sent shockwaves through the Congolese defense after just 10 minutes, latching onto Abdurakhmon Mozgovoy’s through ball to slot past Lionel Mpasi. The Leopards thought they’d equalized through Nathanaël Mbuku eight minutes later, only for VAR to cruelly chalk it off – the first of three yellow cards in a fractious first half that saw Noah Sadiki, Mbuku and Uzbekistan’s Abdukodir Khusanov all booked.

Congo DR’s Relentless Pressure Pays Off

Sebastien Desabre’s halftime team talk worked wonders. After Uzbek captain Sherzod Nasrullaev saw yellow early in the second period, Wissa converted a 68th-minute penalty to ignite the comeback. Four minutes later, substitute Fiston Mayele – who’d replaced the ineffective Cédric Bakambu – turned the game on its head with a close-range finish. The stats told the story: Congo DR’s 19 total shots dwarfed Uzbekistan’s meager 3, with 58% possession underlining their control.

Wissa Seals the Deal

As Uzbekistan’s legendary coach Fabio Cannavaro threw on attackers, Wissa delivered the knockout blow in the 90th minute, finishing coolly after Merveille Elia’s assist. The Brentford man’s brace took his tournament tally to three, while Uzbekistan’s xG of just 0.20 exposed their attacking impotence after the early breakthrough.

What This Means for Both Teams

For Congo DR, this comeback victory – their first World Cup win since 1974 – keeps knockout stage hopes alive in dramatic fashion. Uzbekistan’s campaign now hangs by a thread after collapsing when leading for the first time in their World Cup history. As both teams await other group results, one thing is certain: the Leopards have shown they can never be counted out.

Key Moments

10′ ⚽ Uzbekistan — E. Shomurodov (assist: A. Mozgovoy)

68′ ⚽ Congo DR — Y. Wissa

78′ ⚽ Congo DR — F. Mayele

90′ ⚽ Congo DR — Y. Wissa (assist: M. Elia)