History was written for the DR Congo national team, scoring a dramatic extra-time winner to defeat the Jamaica national team 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup. 2026 Inter-Confederations Play-Offs and secure the country’s first qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 since 1974.
The decisive moment came during extra time when Tuanzebe rose unmarked from a corner kick and guided the ball home from close range, sparking emotional celebrations among Congolese players and supporters.
For much of the match, Jamaica were kept alive by their captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake, widely regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the CONCACAF region.
Blake produced a series of impressive saves to deny DR Congo’s relentless attack. One of the most dangerous chances came midway through the first half when Meschack Elia unleashed a powerful shot that struck the post before being cleared by the Jamaican defense.
Despite being under pressure, Jamaica also created moments of its own. Kasey Palmer forced a deflection that resulted in a corner, while Leon Bailey came close with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Blake again came to Jamaica’s rescue, parrying a curling attempt from Cedric Bakambu.
The Reggae Boyz began to find their rhythm and nearly struck when Bailey’s diving header flashed wide of the post. However, DR Congo regained control in the final stages, pushing Jamaica deeper into their own half with wave after wave of attacks.
Jamaica’s defense held firm through regulation time, forcing the match into extra time.
The breakthrough finally arrived during the additional period.
From a well-delivered corner kick, Tuanzebe slipped away from his marker and calmly slotted the ball into the net from just a few metres out. It was a decisive moment that ended Jamaica’s resistance and sealed a historic victory for the Leopards.
The goal ensured DR Congo’s return to the World Cup stage for the first time in more than five decades.
With qualification secured, DR Congo will now compete in Group K of the 2026 tournament alongside Colombia, Portugal, Uzbekistan.
Credit Photo : FIFA
