DR Congo etched their name into FIFA World Cup history after securing their first-ever goal and point at the global showpiece with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Portugal in their Group K opener in Houston.
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa was the hero for the African side, scoring a crucial equaliser in first-half stoppage time to cancel out Joao Neves’ early opener and hand Les Leopards a memorable result against one of Europe’s football powerhouses.
The match also marked another milestone for Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo, who became the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match at 41 years and 132 days. The appearance was his 23rd at the tournament, moving him level with Italian legend Paolo Maldini on the all-time list.
Portugal made a bright start and took the lead after just six minutes when Joao Neves rose above the DR Congo defence to head home Pedro Neto’s inviting cross past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The Portuguese dominated possession during the opening stages, but DR Congo gradually grew into the contest. Wissa provided the first warning sign when he curled a left-footed effort narrowly wide after 10 minutes.
Their persistence paid off deep into first-half stoppage time when Arthur Masuaku delivered a pinpoint cross that Wissa powered into the net with a thumping header.
The goal sparked celebrations among the Congolese players and supporters as it became DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal, arriving 52 years after the nation’s debut appearance at the 1974 tournament.
Portugal thought they had regained the lead shortly after the restart through Joao Cancelo’s spectacular overhead kick, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Both sides created opportunities in the second half, with Steve Kapuadi heading wide for DR Congo while Ronaldo squandered a pair of half-chances as he searched for his ninth World Cup goal.
Despite late pressure from Portugal, DR Congo held firm to secure a historic point and move level with Portugal at the top of Group K.
After the match, DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre hailed his players for their determination and discipline.
“It is a tremendous source of pride to have earned DR Congo’s first-ever point at the FIFA World Cup, as well as its first goal. The players showed incredible commitment and selflessness and represented the Congo in a very positive way,” said Desabre.
The result leaves both teams on one point ahead of their remaining Group K fixtures against Colombia and Uzbekistan.
