Mental Strength and Tactical Acumen Took DR Congo to Portugal Draw, Says Coach
Yoanne Wissa scored in first-half stoppage time as DR Congo earned its first World Cup point and ended a 52-year wait for the tournament.
- On Wednesday, the Democratic Republic of Congo secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup point, drawing 1-1 against Portugal at Houston Stadium in Texas, marking a historic milestone in their first appearance since 1974.
- Yoane Wissa equalized with a header to score the country's maiden World Cup goal, ending a 52-year absence as the team, coached by Sebastien Desabre, returned to the tournament after competing as Zaire in 1974.
- The squad features competitive depth with Newcastle United's Wissa, West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Le Havre goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi, while Desabre noted the team remained mentally strong after conceding an early goal within six minutes.
- Desabre told reporters he is "proud of my players," emphasizing the importance of rest before upcoming matches against Colombia and Uzbekistan as they aim to advance past the group stage.
- Players remained 100% committed to the tactical approach, which Desabre believes will enable the team to achieve great things while generating enough points from remaining games to reach the knockout rounds.
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88 Articles
Africa: DR Congo Announce Their Return As Leopards Hold Portugal in World Cup Statement
More than five decades after their last appearance on football's biggest stage, DR Congo marked their return to the FIFA World Cup with a performance that sent a powerful message to the rest of the tournament.
DR Congo has made a draw at the start of the World Cup Favorit Portugal. The hero of the evening, Yoane Wissa, almost did not experience this moment.
Yoane Wissa, the striker who became the hero of the Democratic Republic of the Congo this Wednesday after marking the 1-1 final against Portugal in his debut in the 2026 World Cup, lived five years ago the most complicated and tragic moment of his life.The Newcastle footballer was the victim of a harsh acid attack by a woman who tried to kidnap her daughter.It happened on July 2, 2021 and caused her major injuries.The woman threw a corrosive liq…
Portugal held by DR Congo in 1-1 draw at World Cup 2026
Houston, June 18 (SANA) Portugal was held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in its opening Group K match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Yoane Wissa canceled out an early goal from João Neves at NRG Stadium. Portugal made the stronger start and went ahead in the sixth minute when Neves rose to meet a cross and headed the ball into the corner of the net. DR Congo gradually grew into the game and threatened through Wissa, who tested the Portuguese defens…
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