Top things to know
- DR Congo defeated Jamaica 1-0 after extra time in an inter-continental play-off in Guadalajara, Mexico.
- Axel Tuanzebe scored the winning goal in the 100th minute from a corner kick.
- The victory secures DR Congo's first World Cup appearance since 1974 when they competed as Zaire.
- Jamaica's qualification campaign ended in heartbreak despite strong defensive work from goalkeeper Andrew Blake and surviving two VAR checks.
Jamaica's hopes of returning to the FIFA Men’s World Cup ended in heartbreak on Tuesday as Axel Tuanzebe's extra-time winner handed the Democratic Republic of Congo a narrow 1-0 victory in their inter-continental play-off at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Former England under-21 international Tuanzebe broke the deadlock in the 100th minute, firing home following a corner kick to seal the African nation's first World Cup appearance in 52 years. The historic triumph marks DR Congo's return to the global tournament for the first time since 1974, when the country competed under the name Zaire in West Germany.
The Reggae Boyz fought resiliently during regulation time, surviving two VAR checks involving forward Cedric Bakambu, while goalkeeper Andrew Blake produced several critical saves to keep the Caribbean side in contention. However, Jamaica's valiant effort ultimately fell short, bringing a difficult qualification campaign to a close.
Having navigated past New Caledonia in the playoff semi-final after missing out on automatic qualification following a draw against Curaçao, the defeat leaves Jamaica waiting for another chance at the global stage. Meanwhile, DR Congo advance to Group K, where they will face Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan this summer.