.svg.png){kind=logo}
It was a memorable return to the World Cup for the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), who held Portugal to 1-1 draw in their first group match in Houston on Wednesday.
At their first appearance at the 1974 tournament in the former West Germany DR Congo, known then as Zaire, lost all their three group games, without scoring a single goal.
But it was a different DR Congo side that faced a Star-studded Portuguese side who are tipped as one of the favourites for this year’s edition.
Yoane Wissa struck Congo’s first goal at a World Cup deep into first-half stoppage time to cancel out an early opening goal from Portugal’s João Neves in the sixth minute.
Also Read: World Cup 2026: DR Congo Will Take Risk Against Portugal –Desabre
Despite being one of the smallest players the pitch, Neves rose highest to nod home Pedro Neto’s cross.
With Portugal looking to go into the break ahead, Wissa drew DR Congo level, jumping to head home Arthur Masuaku’s fine delivery.
In the same game Cristiano Ronaldo joined Lionel Messi as the only men to play in six World Cups and, aged 41 years and 132 days, he became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup game.
But Ronaldo cut a frustrated figure in attack as he struggled to make any meaningful impact despite playing 90 minutes.
DR Congo are the fourth African team who drew their opening fixture at this year’s tournament.
The other African teams who drew their first group ties are Egypt (1-1 with Belgium), Morocco (1-1 with Brazil), and Cape Verde (0-0 with Spain).
By James Agberebi
1 Comment
In a friendly match, in which Portugal did not show their hands, were protecting their players from injury, they still outclassed Nigeria. No sugarcoating it.
Today at The World Cup, Portugal put their best foot forward butThe Democratic Republic of Congo still played them to a standstill.
The NFF is corrupt and incompetent. Too many average coaches. Substandard pitches. All true. But what is even more true is that our players are not that good. The earlier some fans realize this, the better.
The Democratic Republic of Congo deserves to be at this World Cup.
Nigeria Does Not.