The Democratic Republic of Congo have qualified for their first World Cup in 52 years after Axel Tuanzebe’s extra-time goal sealed a 1-0 win over Jamaica in their intercontinental play-off final in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Tuanzebe, who described the match as the biggest of his career in the build-up, delivered the decisive moment in the 100th minute. The former England youth international, born in Bunia, wrote his name into Congolese football history with his first international goal.
The breakthrough came after Brian Cipenga’s in-swinging corner took a deflection off Jamaica defender Joel Latibeaudiere before striking Tuanzebe and crossing the line. Celebrations were briefly halted for a VAR check over a potential handball, but the goal stood.
DR Congo had earlier seen two Cedric Bakambu goals ruled out for offside during normal time, as both sides struggled to find a breakthrough in a tightly contested encounter.
Jamaica, aiming to reach their second World Cup after their 1998 appearance, failed to create clear chances to force an equaliser, despite late pressure.
The Leopards now advance to the expanded 48-team tournament, where they will face Portugal in their opening Group K match in Houston on 17 June, before taking on Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Ranked 49th in the world, DR Congo entered the final with an advantage over Jamaica, who sit 68th, and had progressed directly to the playoff final. Jamaica reached the decider after defeating New Caledonia, while DR Congo warmed up with a friendly victory over Bermuda.
Sebastien Desabre’s side have endured a long and demanding qualification campaign, playing 13 matches since November 2023. They finished second behind Senegal in their group before overcoming Cameroon and Nigeria in African play-offs.
Congo created the better chances early on, with Bakambu denied in the fifth minute and Meschack Elia forcing a save from goalkeeper Andre Blake.
Jamaica grew into the game before half-time, with Kasey Palmer seeing an effort blocked and Leon Bailey firing narrowly wide. In the second half, Blake denied Bakambu again, while Bailey’s diving header missed the target.
Bakambu thought he had won it late on, but Theo Bongonda was ruled offside in the build-up.
DR Congo dominated extra time and nearly added a second, but Edo Kayembe missed a clear chance after a counter attack.
Tuanzebe’s goal ultimately proved enough to end a 52-year wait for a return to football’s biggest stage.
Congo’s only previous appearance came in 1974, when they competed as Zaire and suffered three defeats without scoring a goal.
“We still don’t believe it — that we’re out and that it happened in this manner,”
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Speaking after the match, Tuanzebe said he was “so proud of what I could do for the country”, adding that his father and brother were in the stands to witness the historic moment.
The squad reflects a growing trend among African nations of recruiting diaspora talent. Tuanzebe is among several players who switched allegiance after representing another country at youth level, alongside others such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Under Desabre, who has been in charge since August 2022, DR Congo have built stability and momentum, having also reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
For a nation of over 110 million people, many affected by years of conflict and hardship, the qualification represents a significant moment of pride and renewed hope.
After more than five decades, a new generation now has the opportunity to rewrite the country’s World Cup story.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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