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DR Congo produced a stirring fightback to defeat Uzbekistan 3–1 and qualify for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since competing under the name Zaire in 1974. Eldor Shomurodov’s brilliant chipped effort in the 10th minute had given Uzbekistan an early advantage, but Yoane Wissa’s penalty in the 68th minute restored parity. Substitute Fiston Mayele then put DR Congo ahead in the 78th minute before Wissa sealed the result with his second goal in stoppage time, completing a dramatic turnaround.

The victory took DR Congo to four points in Group K, ensuring progression as one of the best third-placed teams. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan’s first-ever World Cup campaign ended without a single point, having surrendered a lead and conceded three unanswered goals after their captain’s early strike. Here’s a breakdown of the key winners and losers from DR Congo’s memorable encounter with Uzbekistan.

Yoane Wissa delivered a standout performance, scoring twice to inspire DR Congo’s comeback from a goal down. His calm penalty in the 68th minute and composed finish in the 90+1st minute secured a historic win that sent his country into the World Cup knockout stage for the very first time.

The forward earned the penalty himself when Abdukodir Khusanov brought him down inside the box, before confidently dispatching the spot-kick with a precise right-footed strike. His second goal came deep into stoppage time, when he reacted quickest to a loose ball following Mayele’s attempt, shifted it onto his right foot, and slotted it into the corner.

Wissa’s double transformed what had been a frustrating evening—having missed opportunities in the 29th and 50th minutes—into one of the most memorable nights in Congolese football history. His goals erased the disappointment of 1974 and ensured DR Congo’s first-ever progression beyond the group stage.

Fiston Mayele made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute in the 51st minute, revitalising DR Congo’s attack and scoring the crucial goal that gave his team the lead. His introduction in place of Cedric Bakambu proved to be the tactical turning point of the match.

Mayele struck in the 78th minute, stretching to redirect a deflected shot from Meschack Elia past goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov. Besides his goal, he remained a constant threat, creating chances in the 60th, 75th, and 89th minutes, with his pace and movement continually troubling Uzbekistan’s tiring defence.

He also played a vital role in the third goal, as his effort led to the loose ball that Wissa converted. His relentless pressing and energy during the final 40 minutes provided the attacking edge DR Congo had been lacking when behind, vindicating coach Sebastien Desabre’s decision to bring him on.

For Abdukodir Khusanov, the match will be remembered for the penalty he conceded in the 68th minute, fouling Wissa inside the area and gifting DR Congo the equaliser that sparked their comeback. Already on a yellow card from the 43rd minute for a late challenge on the same player, his poorly timed tackle proved decisive.

Khusanov’s inability to avoid the foul turned the game on its head, as DR Congo went on to score three times after the penalty while Uzbekistan failed to respond. The mistake came at the worst possible moment, turning what could have been a historic point into a crushing defeat.

Although the defender made several blocks and clearances under pressure, his costly error overshadowed his earlier contributions. His foul transformed Uzbekistan’s hopes of earning their first World Cup points into a winless campaign, ending their debut tournament without any points from three matches.