Tuanzebe’s Extra-Time Heroics Send DR Congo To First World Cup in 52 Years

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By Sedara Philip

Axel Tuanzebe etched his name into football history on Tuesday night in Guadalajara, scoring a dramatic extra-time winner to send DR Congo back to the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years.

The Leopards secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Jamaica national football team in the inter-confederation playoff final, with Tuanzebe’s decisive goal arriving in the 101st minute.

The breakthrough came from a well-delivered corner by Brian Cipenga, whose powerful cross into the box caused chaos. The ball ricocheted off Tuanzebe and slipped past Jamaican goalkeeper Andre Blake, sparking wild celebrations among the Congolese players and fans.

The encounter was a tense and closely contested affair, with both sides aware of the high stakes. DR Congo started brightly and looked the more dangerous in the opening half. Cedric Bakambu thought he had given his side the lead early on, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside.

After the break, momentum shifted in favour of the Caribbean side, who pressed forward and created several set-piece opportunities. However, they were unable to break down the resolute Congolese defence. DR Congo again found the net through Bakambu, but the goal was once more disallowed for offside.

As the match moved into extra time, the Leopards maintained their attacking intent and were eventually rewarded. Cipenga, introduced from the bench, delivered yet another dangerous corner—mirroring his earlier heroics in the CAF qualifying playoffs. This time, fortune smiled on DR Congo as Tuanzebe’s touch proved enough to decide the contest.

A lengthy VAR review briefly delayed celebrations, but the goal was ultimately confirmed, sending the Congolese bench into jubilation.

The remainder of extra time saw the game disrupted by an injury to the referee, slowing the tempo. Despite their efforts, a fatigued Jamaican side could not muster a response, and the final whistle confirmed DR Congo’s historic qualification.

The victory marks only the nation’s second appearance at the World Cup, their first coming in 1974 under the name Zaire, when they became the first sub-Saharan African country to qualify for the tournament.

DR Congo will now compete in Group K, where they are set to face Portugal, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. Their campaign kicks off on June 17 against Portugal in Houston.