- Safiu Kehinde
The Democratic Republic of Congo has defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in their final Group K encounter to advance into the knockout stage.
Uzbekistan made a bright start and opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Eldor Shomurodov after receiving a pass from Abbosbek Fayzullaev.
However, DR Congo responded strongly and drew level through a Yoane Wissa penalty in the 18th minute.
The physical contest produced several cautions, with Noah Sadiki, Nathanaël Mbuku and Samuel Moutoussamy going into the referee’s book for DR Congo.
Abdukodir Khusanov and Sukhrob Nasrullaev were cautioned for Uzbekistan.
Meanwhile, DR Congo continued to press in the second half and eventually took the lead in the 78th minute when Fiston Mayele found the back of the net.
Wissa then completed his brace in stoppage time, scoring in the 90+1st minute to seal a convincing 3-1 victory for the Leopards.
With the victory, DR Congo secured their spot in the Round of 32, advancing through the best third-place finisher.
They are billed to face England, the winners of Group L.
However, Uzbekistan was eliminated from the World Cup after finishing last in Group K.
The Group K standings confirmed that Colombia topped the section with 7 points, followed by Portugal in second with 5 points.