If you’re looking for a dark horse in the knockout stages, look no further than DR Congo. Look for a leopard that is patient, persistent and ready to pounce when it matters most.
Portugal returned from their meeting with the Democratic Republic of Congo licking their wounds with their weaknesses exposed.
With Cristiano Ronaldo trapped in the defense by a combination of captain Chancel Mbemba and Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe, Joao Neves’ sixth-minute header was Portugal’s only shot on target throughout the game.
Not only did DR Congo get a point against Portugal, who entered the competition as one of the pre-tournament favorites, but many observers would be fair to argue that Sebastien Desabre’s side deserved all three points after an impressive performance. Yoan Wissa’s header came in a courageous display for the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Colombia presented a different kind of test and the Democratic Republic of Congo eventually succumbed to late pressure, but their identity was unmistakable. Defend first, ask questions later. The Democratic Republic of Congo’s defense looked even more vulnerable in Guadalajara, but were able to rely on goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to keep the Colombian heavy hitters at bay.
The win over Uzbekistan went down as one of the greatest moments in Democratic Republic of Congo football history, catapulting the Leopards into uncharted territory.
England, who are getting their first taste of knockout football at the World Cup, represent the free-hitting Leopards they crave.
Why Congo’s style could cause trouble for Britain
DR Congo is not a team designed for entertainment. They are a nation built to bid without losing time. Defense was Desabre’s focus during his reign.
During his four-year tenure, the Democratic Republic of Congo has never lost by more than one goal. For context, Thomas Tuchel, who was in charge of the England national team last year, had already lost by two goals in a 3-1 loss to Senegal.
DR Congo found success in low-scoring games, with Desabre’s side scoring one goal or less in two-thirds of the games.
In the first two games against Portugal and Colombia, Desabres fielded a team of five at the back, three in the middle and two up front. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Artur Masuaku, deployed as wing-backs, were more disciplined than adventurous. Despite providing width to the team, creative responsibility primarily fell to the midfielders.
The Democratic Republic of Congo were willing to give up possession, inviting their opponents into a resolute defensive block before attacking when the opportunity presented itself.
Despite England’s 2-0 win over Panama, scrutiny continues over England’s lack of creativity, inspiration and energy in attacking areas. According to FIFA’s Style Index, England are one of the four teams with the most different playing styles from DR Congo.
The blueprint had already been set by Ghana and Desabre and Congo were well versed in it. As the match progressed against Ghana, England’s lack of penetration gave hope to the Black Stars, who were unable to capitalize on moments of counter-attacking.
In his quest to solve this problem, don’t expect Tuchel to find easy prey to settle matters against a stubborn DR Congo.
Don’t Underestimate Congo’s Attack
Yoane Wissa scored three goals in the World Cup.
But DR Congo’s conservative style does not eliminate the threat of attack.
Wisa has scored three goals in the competition so far, equaling Harry Kane’s tally and more than Ronaldo’s return. After scoring in the last minute, Wisa scored twice against Uzbekistan to take his tally to three goals in three games. This is already three times more than Newcastle’s tally since his £55m move to the Magpies.
In fact, Wisa’s involvement was very welcome after missing out on the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) as part of a nice gesture for Newcastle.
Desabre, 29, decided to use Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu, who is yet to have a shot on target at the World Cup, as his individual goalscoring problems continue.
Against Uzbekistan, Desabre replaced Bakambu, adding a new dimension to the attack alongside Fiston Mayele. Earlier this season, the Pyramids forward was named the Men’s Interclub Africa Player of the Year.
The award is given to the best African player playing football within the continent. He added something that Bakambu could not provide, which was the composure in front of goal that was needed in a game where chances were few and far between.
In the build-up to the match between Democratic Republic of Congo and Uzbekistan, questions were raised about Desabre’s ability to adapt. But the switch to a flat back four and the introduction of two wingers, Nathan Mbuku and Brian Cipenga, paid off.
Both men would love to start once again, but both have proven they can potentially make an impact off the bench.
Why the conflict between Congo and Britain has greater significance
Although the two countries have never met competitively, both the Democratic Republic of Congo and England have strong ties when it comes to football.
They mainly come from a community of young players playing in the UK. Tuanzebe was born in Bunia, Congo, but moved to Rochdale at a very young age.
He then received his football training at Manchester United and even wore the captain’s armband on one occasion. Tuanzebe also represented England at youth level, sharing the international dressing room with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was born in Croydon and Axel Tuanzebe grew up in Rochdale.
Wan-Bissaka, who also played for Manchester United, was born and raised in south London before moving to Old Trafford.
The right-back was also included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad in 2019. Midfielder Aaron Tshibola, who previously played for Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and is now Kilmarnock, was born in east London.
Meanwhile, Arthur Masuaku is a name England fans can also name at West Ham and Sunderland, while current Black Cats star Noah Sadiki is a highly rated member of the team.
England international Ezri Konsa also has Democratic Republic of Congo heritage and is eligible to represent the Leopards.
After a 52-year wait for a World Cup with personal stories to tell, Wednesday’s clash will be about furthering history already in the making. The English game has enjoyed its most successful period in a generation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
All eyes will suddenly be on DR Congo, a sleeping giant of African football for over a century. DR Congo, formerly known as Zaire, became the first sub-Saharan African country to qualify for the 1974 World Cup.
The opportunity to show that against England is one the whole country will embrace, and hopefully the players wearing England colors will rise to the occasion in the same way. DR Congo is back on the map.
