The win gives DR Congo four points in Group K, while Uzbekistan remain bottom with zero points after three defeats. Both teams continue their fight to hope for qualification for the knockout stage, in a group dominated by Portugal and Colombia.

The start of the match saw the Uzbeks quickly take the lead through a goal from Eldor Shomurodov in the 10th minute, from an Akmal Mozgovoy pass. However, that opener did not stop the Congolese from hanging on despite several cautions for Noah Sadiki (21st), Nathanaël Mbuku (45+5th) and Samuel Moutoussamy (62nd), while the Uzbeks received cards for Abdukodir Khusanov (43rd) and Sherzod Nasrullaev (48th).

In the second half, DR Congo were sharper in attack, with a very active Yoane Wissa scoring twice late in the match. Fiston Mayele, who came on in the 51st minute in place of Mayele, also scored a decisive goal. For Uzbekistan, several changes were made around the hour mark, but they did not reverse the trend.

DR Congo dominated possession (64%) and were technically more accurate with 386 passes, 83% of them completed, compared with 214 passes at 75% for the Uzbekistan team. In attack, the Congolese also had 11 shots, two on target, compared with only three shots (one on target) for their opponents. That control translated into the comeback and the final victory.

DR Congo rely on their Wissa-Mayele attacking duo and a disciplined 4-4-2

Head coach Sébastien Desabre set his team up in a 4-4-2 formation with Yoane Wissa and Cédric Bakambu up front, supported by a solid midfield made up of Nathanaël Mbuku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Noah Sadiki and Brian Cipenga. The defence included experienced players such as Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi Nzau also kept his goal protected despite the early Uzbek pressure.

This organisation allowed DR Congo to respond after conceding an early goal. The attacking play was based mainly on Yoane Wissa, who scored two goals, and the decisive contribution of Fiston Mayele, who came on in the second half, to seal the win. Control of midfield also weighed on the match and limited the opposition’s chances.

Uzbekistan run into frustration and struggle to restart their game in a 3-4-2-1

Under coach Fabio Cannavaro, Uzbekistan played in a 3-4-2-1 with Eldor Shomurodov as their main attacking threat, and he scored the Uzbek goal. However, the system showed its defensive limits against a tactically disciplined Congolese side. The heavy previous defeat to Portugal (0-5) and the pressure of the standings appear to be weighing on the Asian team.

The presence of Akmal Mozgovoy in midfield and the efforts of Dostonbek Khamdamov were not enough to balance the match. The frustration was reflected in several yellow cards and increased aggression. Despite several changes after the hour mark, Uzbekistan failed to shift the momentum, ultimately losing 3-1.

DR Congo

Finished 3-1 Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Uzbekistan