Congo secured a historic place in the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time by rallying to a 3-1 victory against Uzbekistan on Saturday night in Atlanta. The African nation, making only its second appearance in the tournament after a 52-year absence, came from behind to win.
Second-half comeback seals victory
Uzbekistan took an early lead through Eldor Shomurodov's lobbed goal in the 10th minute. Congo equalized in the 68th minute when Yoane Wissa was fouled in the box by Abdukodir Khusanov, earning a penalty. Wissa converted by rolling the ball into the bottom corner, sending goalkeeper Abduvohid Nematov the wrong way.
Fiston Mayele put Congo ahead in the 78th minute, flicking past Nematov at the near post after Meschack Elia's shot was deflected. Wissa sealed the win in added time with a curling shot into the bottom corner.
Historic achievement for Congo
Congo's only previous World Cup appearance was in 1974 as Zaire, where they lost all three matches, including a 9-0 defeat to Yugoslavia. The draw against Portugal in their opening game was their first point at the tournament. This victory, their first ever World Cup win, allowed them to advance as one of the best third-placed teams.
Congo becomes the eighth African nation to advance from the group stage at this World Cup, joining Cape Verde as surprise qualifiers for the round of 32.
