Africa’s representation at this summer’s FIFA World Cup has risen to 10 teams after the Democratic Republic of Congo secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Jamaica following extra time in a tense Intercontinental Playoff clash in Guadalajara, Mexico, early Wednesday.
The decisive Path 1 encounter, which kicked off at 10 p.m. GMT on Tuesday, was settled deep into extra time, with Axel Tuanzebe emerging as the unlikely hero to send the Leopards back to the global stage for the first time in 52 years.
Making their first World Cup appearance since competing as Zaire in 1974, DR Congo also become the 47th nation to qualify for the tournament. They have been drawn in Group K, where they will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.
In a match largely devoid of clear-cut chances, both sides adopted a cautious approach throughout regulation time. DR Congo made the brighter start, with captain Cédric Bakambu seeing an early effort ruled out for offside, but they were unable to convert their early dominance into a breakthrough.
Jamaica gradually grew into the contest, with Kasey Palmer and Leon Bailey providing flashes of attacking threat, particularly in the second half.
However, despite their improved display, the Reggae Boyz struggled to carve out clear scoring opportunities.
