DR Congo Advances Toward World Cup Qualification Against Jamaica
RD Congo secured a 1-0 win over Jamaica in Guadalajara after extra time. Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal from a corner. The strike was reviewed by VAR and confirmed. Argentina referee Mr. Tello suffered cramps and had to be replaced late in the match.
Match summary
The match was scoreless after 90 minutes despite Congolese dominance. Jamaica produced a few dangerous moments, including a Bailey effort that hit the post.
In extra time, Tuanzebe reacted to a corner inside the six-yard box. He pushed the ball into the net with his thigh. The goal was checked for a possible hand and stood.
Key events and substitutions
- Tuanzebe scored the winning goal from a set piece during the first period of extra time.
- Referee Tello experienced cramps and was replaced by an official from the bench.
- DR Congo changes included Wissa off for Cipenga, Mbuku replaced by Edo Kayembe, Sadiki replaced by Ngal’ayel Mukau, and Masuaku by Joris Kayembe.
- Jamaica used multiple substitutions, with Webster, Hayden and De Cordova-Reid among those withdrawn.
- Bakambu and Bongonda had notable attacking attempts for the Leopards during the match.
Lineups
| DR Congo (starters) | Mpasi; Wan-Bissaka, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Masuaku; Moutoussamy, Sadiki, Elia; Wissa, Bakambu, Mbuku |
| Jamaica (starters) | Blake; Latibeaudiere, King, Pinnock, Webster; Hayden, Palmer; De Cordova-Reid, Campbell, Bailey; Cadamarteri |
Referee and VAR
The goal was subject to video review for a potential hand. VAR confirmed the finish as legal. Later, the Argentine referee showed visible signs of cramps and left the field.
Stakes and context
The winner earns a World Cup berth and a spot in Group K. Group K will include Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia at the tournament.
DR Congo Advances Toward World Cup Qualification Against Jamaica after this result. The victory edges the Leopards closer to a rare World Cup return.
- DR Congo reached this playoff after finishing second in CAF Group B behind Senegal.
- The Leopards beat Cameroon 1-0 and eliminated Nigeria on penalties to reach this intercontinental final.
- Jamaica played a semi-final versus New Caledonia last week, winning 1-0 to reach this match.
- Both nations seek only their second World Cup appearance. DR Congo last played in 1974 as Zaire. Jamaica’s sole prior appearance was 1998.
Support and finances
Around 400 Congolese supporters traveled to Guadalajara with government assistance. President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi sent a message of support to the team.
Well-known fan Michel Kuka, nicknamed “Lumumba,” could not travel due to visa issues. Jamaican media framed the match as highly lucrative, citing FIFA compensation figures of roughly 1.6 billion Jamaican dollars, about nine million euros.
Filmogaz.com will follow the aftermath and report on the final confirmation of the qualifier.
