DR CONGO ENTERS WORLD CUP AFTER 52 YEARS – The team beat Jamaica 1-0 with extra time
The Democratic Republic of Congo grabbed the second-last available berth at the World Cup finals by beating Jamaica 1-0 in their inter-confederation playoff with Axel Tuanzebe netting an extra-time winner to see them return to the finals after a 52-year wait.
The former England under-21 international bundled the ball over the line from a corner in the 100th minute but had to wait for more than minute while it was checked for a possible handball before being confirmed as a goal.
It is the second time DR Congo have qualified for the finals, more than half a century after their initial appearance in 1974 when the country was known as Zaire.
They are the 10th African country to have qualified and at the World Cup, will compete in Group K against Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan.
Jamaica were playing a second game in five days after last Thursday edging New Caledonia 1-0 in their semi-final tie, also in Guadalajara. DR Congo’s higher FIFA ranking meant they were seeded straight into the decider.
