If you’re looking for a dark horse in the knockout stages, don’t look for one in DR Congo. Look for a Leopard – patient, relentless, and ready to pounce when it matters most.
Portugal came away licking their wounds, with weaknesses exposed in their meeting with DR Congo.
While Cristiano Ronaldo was shackled by a combination of captain Chancel Mbemba and Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe at the back, Joao Neves’ sixth-minute header was Portugal’s only shot on target throughout the game.
Not only did DR Congo earn a point against Portugal, who entered the competition as one of the pre-tournament favourites, but many observers would be justified in arguing that Sebastien Desabre’s side deserved to leave with all three points after an impressive display. Yoane Wissa’s headed goal came in a brave DR Congo performance.
Colombia posed a different kind of test, and although DR Congo eventually succumbed to late pressure, their identity was unmistakable: defend first, ask questions later. DR Congo’s defence appeared more vulnerable in Guadalajara, but they could rely on an inspired Lionel Mpasi goalkeeping display to keep Colombia’s heavy hitters at bay.
Victory over Uzbekistan marked the greatest moment in DR Congo’s footballing history, propelling the Leopards into uncharted territory.
In the nation’s first-ever taste of knockout football at the World Cup, England represent a free-hit for the Leopards that they will be keen to take.
Why Congo’s style could trouble England
DR Congo are not a side designed to entertain; they are a nation built to avoid losing and biding their time. The defence is where Desabre has placed his focus during his reign.
Under his four-year stewardship, DR Congo have never been beaten by more than one goal. For context, Thomas Tuchel, who took charge of England last year, has already suffered a two-goal defeat, losing 3-1 to Senegal.
DR Congo find success during low-scoring games with Desabre’s side scoring one goal or fewer in two-thirds of their matches.
In the opening two games, against Portugal and Colombia, Desabre set his side up with a back five, three workmen in the middle and a front two. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku, deployed as wing-backs, were more disciplined than adventurous. Despite providing the team’s width, the creative responsibility largely fell to the midfield.
DR Congo are more than happy to surrender possession, inviting opponents onto their resolute defensive block before striking when the opportunity arises.
The inquest into England’s lack of creativity, inspiration or energy in attacking areas continues despite their 2-0 win over Panama. According to FIFA’s style metrics, England are one of just four teams whose playing style differs most from that of DR Congo.
The blueprint has already been laid by Ghana, and it’s one that Desabre and Congo are well-versed in. As the game progressed against the Ghanaians, England’s lack of penetration offered hope to the Black Stars, who couldn’t make use of their moments on the counterattack.
On a quest to fix that, don’t expect Tuchel to find easy prey to remedy that against the stubborn DR Congo.
Don’t underestimate Congo’s attack
Yoane Wissa has scored three goals at the World Cup
DR Congo’s conservative style doesn’t take away from their threat in attack, though.
Wissa has three goals in the competition so far, matching Harry Kane’s tally and more than Ronaldo’s return. After finding the net in the curtain-raiser, Wissa struck twice against Uzbekistan to take his tally to three goals in three games – already surpassing his Newcastle output threefold after his £55m move to the Magpies.
In truth, Wissa’s involvement after missing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as part of a good gesture to Newcastle has been more than welcome.
Alongside the 29-year-old, Desabre has opted to play Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu, who is yet to register a shot on target at the World Cup, as his personal goalscoring issues continue.
Against Uzbekistan, Desabre added a new dimension to the attack with Fiston Mayele when he replaced Bakambu. Earlier this season, the Pyramids forward was named the men’s Interclub African Player of the Year.
The award recognises the best African player who plays their football within the continent. He added something that Bakambu couldn’t provide, which was composure in front of goal, necessary in a game of few chances.
Desabre’s adaptability had been questioned in the build-up to DR Congo’s match against Uzbekistan. However, a switch to a flat back four and the introduction of Nathan Mbuku and Brian Cipenga, two wingers, paid off.
The pair will be eager to start once again, but both have proved they can potentially provide an impact from the bench.
Why Congo’s clash against England means more
Though the two nations have never met in a competitive capacity, in a footballing sense, both DR Congo and England have strong links.
Those mainly come from a community of young players who earn their stripes playing in England. Tuanzebe was born in Bunia, Congo, but moved to Rochdale at a very young age.
He would then find a footballing education at Manchester United and even wear the captain’s armband on one occasion. Tuanzebe also represented England at youth level, sharing an international dressing room with the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka was born in Croydon, while Axel Tuanzebe grew up in Rochdale
Wan-Bissaka, who also played at United, was born and raised in south London before making the switch to Old Trafford.
The right-back went as far as being included in a Gareth Southgate England squad back in 2019. Midfielder Aaron Tshibola, formerly of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and now of Kilmarnock, was born in east London.
Meanwhile, Arthur Masuaku is a name England fans will also recognise for spells at West Ham and Sunderland, while current Black Cats star Noah Sadiki is a highly rated member of the team.
There’s even DR Congo heritage within the England squad in Ezri Konsa, who would be eligible to represent the Leopards.
Alongside the personal stories, after a 52-year wait for a World Cup, Wednesday’s clash will be a furthering of the history that is already being made. The England match marks DR Congo’s most successful period in a generation.
Eyes, all of a sudden, will be on DR Congo, who have been a sleeping giant for African football for over a century. When DR Congo, previously called Zaire, participated at the 1974 World Cup, they were the first sub-Saharan African country to qualify.
The chance to showcase that against England is one the entire nation will embrace, hoping the players wearing its colours rise to the occasion in the same way. DR Congo is back on the map.
