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If you’re looking for a dark horse in the knockout stages, look no further than DR Congo. Look for a leopard – patient, relentless, and ready to pounce when it matters most
Portugal come to lick their wounds, weakness exposed in their meeting with DR Congo.
Joao Neves’ sixth-minute header was Portugal’s only shot on target throughout the game, with Cristiano Ronaldo linked at the back by a combination of captain Chancel Mbemba and Burnley’s Axel Tuanzebe.
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 argue that Sebastien Desabre’s side deserved to walk away with all three points after an impressive display. Yone Wisser’s headed goal came in a brave performance from Congo.
Colombia provided a different kind of test, and although DR Congo eventually succumbed to late pressure, their identity was unmistakable: defend first, question later. DR Congo’s defense was further weakened in Guadalajara, but they could rely on an inspired goalkeeping display from Lionel Mpasi to keep Colombia’s heavy hitters at bay.
The victory over Uzbekistan marked the greatest moment in DR Congo’s football history, taking the Leopards into uncharted territory.
In the country’s first 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 is not a party designed for entertainment; They are a nation built to avoid losing their time and bidding. Defense is where Desabre kept his focus during his tenure.
Under his four-year stewardship, DR Congo have never been beaten by more than one goal. Incidentally, Thomas Tuchel, who took charge of England last year, has already been defeated by two goals in a 3-1 defeat by Senegal.
DR Congo found success in low-scoring games with Desabre’s side scoring one goal or less in two-thirds of their matches.
In the opening two games against Portugal and Colombia, Desabre fielded his team with five backs, three in the middle and two up front. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Arthur Masuaku deployed as wing-backs were more disciplined than adventurous. Despite providing width to the team, the creative responsibility falls largely on the midfield.
DR Congo are more than happy to cede possession, inviting the opposition into their solid defensive blocks before striking at the opportunity.
England’s lack of creativity, motivation or energy in attack continues despite a 2-0 win over Panama. According to FIFA’s Style Metrics, England are one of only four teams whose style of play differs from that of DR Congo.
Ghana already has the blueprint, 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 for the Black Stars, who were unable to capitalize on their moments on the counter-attack.
In his quest to fix that, don’t expect Tuchel to find easy prey to retaliate against a stubborn DR Congo.
Don’t underestimate the Congo attack
Yone Wisa scored three goals in the World Cup
However, DR Congo’s conservative style of attack does not shy away from their threat.
Wieser has three goals in the competition so far, matching Harry Kane’s tally and more than Ronaldo’s return. After finding the net on a curtain-raiser, Wiesa struck twice against Uzbekistan to take his tally to three goals in three matches – already trebling his Newcastle output following his £55m move to the Magpies.
Indeed, Wisser’s involvement was more than welcome after missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as part of a good gesture towards Newcastle.
Alongside the 29-year-old, Desabre opted to play Real Betis striker Cedric Bakambu, who is yet to register a shot on target at the World Cup, as his individual goalscoring woes continue.
Against Uzbekistan, Desabre added a new dimension to the attack with Fiston Mayel replacing Bakambu. Earlier this season, the Pyramid Forward was named the Men’s Interclub African Player of the Year.
The award recognizes the best African players who play their football within the continent. He added something that Bakambu couldn’t provide, which was composure in front of goal, necessary in the few chances played.
Desabre’s adaptability was questioned in the build-up to DR Congo’s match against Uzbekistan. However, a switch to a flat back four and the introduction of two wingers Nathan Mbuku and Brian Sipenga paid off.
The pair will be keen to start again, but both have proven they can potentially make an impact off the bench.
Why the Congo clash against England means more
Although the two countries have never met in competitive capacity, in terms of football, both DR Congo and England have a strong relationship.
They mainly come from a community of young players who earned their stripes playing in England. Tuanzeb was born in Bunia, Congo, but moved to Rochdale at a very young age.
He would then receive a football education at Manchester United and even wear the captain’s armband on one occasion. Tuanzebe has 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 for United, was born and raised in South London before moving to Old Trafford.
The right-back was included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad in 2019. Midfielder Aaron Shibola, formerly of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest and currently of Kilmarnock, was born in East London.
Meanwhile, Arthur Masuaku is a name England fans will also recognize from spells at West Ham and Sunderland, with current Black Cats star Noah Sadiki a highly-rated member of the squad.
There is even DR Congo heritage in the England squad in Ezri Konsa, who will be eligible to represent the Leopards.
Personal stories aside, after a 52-year wait for the World Cup, Wednesday’s clash will add to the history already made. The England match marked DR Congo’s most successful period in a generation.
Eyes, suddenly, on DR Congo, who have been the sleeping giants of African football for over a century. When DR Congo, formerly Zaire, participated in the 1974 World Cup, they became the first sub-Saharan African country to qualify.
The entire nation will embrace the chance to show off against England, hopefully the players wearing its colors will rise to the occasion as well. DR Congo is back on the map.
