SOCCER: DR Congo score extra-time winner to qualify for World Cup

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a spot in the World Cup for the first time since 1974 after Axel Tuanzebe scored an extra-time winner to defeat Jamaica 1-0 in their inter-confederation playoff on Tuesday.

Tuanzebe, a former England under-21 international, bundled the ball over the line from a corner in the 100th minute. The goal was briefly delayed while officials checked for a possible handball, but it was eventually confirmed.

The result reflected DR Congo’s dominance in a fast-paced match at Estadio Guadalajara — one of three Mexican venues for the World Cup, which will be held from June 11 to July 19 and co-hosted by the U.S. and Canada.

“We’re happy, we’re really delighted,” said striker Cedric Bakambu. “Right now, I don’t think we fully realize it yet, but when we get back to Kinshasa, it’s going to be crazy. Congratulations to my teammates and to all Congolese people around the world.”

This marks only the second time DR Congo has qualified for the World Cup finals, their first appearance coming 52 years ago when the country was known as Zaire. They are the 10th African nation to qualify and will compete in Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan.

The final World Cup berth will be decided later on Tuesday in Monterrey, where Bolivia faces Iraq in the other inter-confederation playoff.

DR Congo Dominates, Jamaica Fights Back

Jamaica struggled for much of the first half, but veteran goalkeeper Andrew Blake kept the scoreline level with a sharp save early in the second half against Bakambu. The ‘Reggae Boyz’ then had their best period of the match, with Leon Bailey missing a diving header in the 67th minute from a cross by Tyreece Campbell.

DR Congo regained control in the final 10 minutes. Goals from Theo Bongonda and Edo Kayembe nearly secured the win in the 85th minute, but Tuanzebe’s eventual winner came in extra time after Jamaica’s defense could not clear a corner.

“It’s very frustrating to lose like that, very frustrating,” said Jamaica striker Ephron Mason-Clark. “It’s tournament football — we’re just lacking a goal. Right now, it’s difficult to take any positives from this experience.”

The match also saw a brief interruption nine minutes before full time when Argentine referee Facundo Tello suffered from cramp and was replaced by fourth official Dario Herrera.

Jamaica had played their second game in five days after beating New Caledonia 1-0 in their semi-final last Thursday, while DR Congo, thanks to a higher FIFA ranking, was seeded directly into Tuesday’s decider. -Writing by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Nick Mulvenney, Stephen Coates and Peter Rutherford/Reuters