AFCON 2025
The Democratic Republic of Congo put up a valiant performance in their World Cup group opener against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal on Wednesday afternoon.
Having stopped Nigeria from qualifying for the Mundial, the Leopards showed once again they deserved to be at the competition as they kept a star-studded Portugal at bay.
Portugal got the perfect start to the match as two-time Champions League winner João Neves scored the opener with a brilliant header from Pedro Neto’s cross.
The Leopards didn’t sit back as they pressed high up the pitch winning second balls and narrowing the channels making it difficult for the favourites to operate.
DR Congo, after a moment of pressure on Portugal from corner kicks got the equaliser just before the break.
Newcastle’s Yoan Wissa got to the end of Arthur Masuaku’s cross with a header to restore parity just before the half-time break.
Roberto Martinez’s changes made no difference in the second half with Conceicao and Laeo coming on to stretch the game.
DR Congo looked dangerous in transition throughout the tie but lacked the composure to finish off Portugal in the final third.
Although, Bernardo Silva had the ball in the net in the second half, his goal was ruled offside by the assistant referee.
The match ended 1-1 as DR Congo earned a valuable point against all odds to kickstart their World Cup campaign on an impressive note.
