DR Congo secure World Cup return after 52 years with victory over Jamaica
Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe scored an extra-time winner to send the Democratic Republic of Congo to their first World Cup in 52 years with a 1-0 play-off victory against Jamaica.
The central African nation last appeared at the global tournament as Zaire in 1974.
They endured a bruising campaign during that historical outing, conceding 14 goals in three heavy group-stage defeats.
However, Les Leopards have now secured their return to the sport’s pinnacle after a gruelling 13-match qualification journey.
Tuanzebe breaks Reggae Boyz resistance
The decisive moment arrived in the 100th minute of a tense and tightly contested encounter.
A deep corner drifted past the Jamaican defence and fell kindly to the English-born centre-back at the far post.
The 26-year-old made no mistake, poking the ball beyond the previously imperious goalkeeper Andre Blake to break the deadlock.
Blake had produced a remarkable performance during regular time to single-handedly keep the Caribbean side in the tie.
Frustration for Jamaica and Bakambu
Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu thought he had given the Congolese an early lead, but his effort was ruled out by the offside flag.
The veteran forward was denied again by another offside call after the interval before being thwarted by an excellent Blake save.
Jamaica struggled to mount a comeback during a disrupted second period of extra time.
The match suffered a bizarre delay when referee Facundo Tello was forced off the pitch in tears with an apparent calf injury.
‘The pressure got to us’
The defeat means the Reggae Boyz must wait at least another four years to end a World Cup hiatus that already stands at 28 years.
Their campaign was undoubtedly hindered by the sudden resignation of manager Steve McLaren in November, which forced them to navigate these crucial final fixtures under an interim boss.
Speaking after the final whistle, the match-winner admitted that the magnitude of the occasion had affected his side’s early performance.
“We made it a very difficult game for ourselves,” Tuanzebe said.
“It was so frustrating, there were some nerves, the pressure of the occasion got to us a bit.
“To get the winning goal for the country, that is something as a young boy you dream about, and I am so very happy.”
DR Congo can now look forward to opening their historic tournament campaign against Portugal in Houston.
