DR Congo returns to FIFA World Cup after 52 years, increasing African qualified teams to 10

DR Congo qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in 52 years after beating Jamaica 1-0 in extra time in the play-off staged early Wednesday in Mexico.

Both sides approached the match cautiously, with the Leopards of Congo creating more chances but being kept at bay by the highly disciplined Jamaica Reggae Boys’ defence.

In the end, neither side could find a breakthrough, and the contest headed into an extra 30 minutes, where DR Congo finally made their pressure count in the 100th minute when Axel Tuanzebe bundled in from close range after Brian Cipenga’s corner kick was diverted into the centre-back’s path.

Despite Jamaica throwing everything in search of an equaliser, the Leopards kept them at bay for a hard-earned victory as they returned to the global stage for the first time since 1974.

DR Congo’s qualifications also increased African teams at this year’s FIFA World Cup to 10, and they will be placed in group K alongside Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.