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Rabat – DR Congo marked their return to the FIFA World Cup after a 52-year absence by holding Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group K match today.
Portugal made a fast start at Houston Stadium and took the lead after only six minutes.
Pedro Neto delivered a cross from the left, allowing João Neves to direct a header past DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
Roberto Martinez’s side controlled much of the early possession and looked capable of adding a second goal. However, DR Congo remained organized and gradually became more confident.
The Leopards threatened through Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa before finding the equalizer in first-half stoppage time.
Arthur Masuaku delivered a corner toward the back post, where Wissa rose unmarked and headed the ball into the net.
The goal was DR Congo’s first in World Cup history. The country’s only previous appearance came in 1974 under the name Zaire, when it failed to score in three group matches.
DR Congo resist Portugal’s pressure
Portugal pushed forward after the break but struggled to create clear chances against DR Congo’s compact defensive system.
Bruno Fernandes and João Cancelo tried to create openings from wide areas, while Martinez introduced Rafael Leão and Gonçalo Ramos as his team searched for a winner.
Cancelo later found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
DR Congo continued to defend with discipline, with Chancel Mbemba and Axel Tuanzebe playing important roles in limiting Portugal’s attack.
Mpasi also remained composed under pressure as Portugal delivered several crosses into the penalty area during the closing stages.
Sébastien Desabre’s team did not simply defend. The Leopards continued to threaten on the counterattack through Wissa, Bakambu and Noah Sadiki.
Ronaldo quiet in sixth World Cup
Cristiano Ronaldo started the match and became one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to appear in six editions of the men’s World Cup.
However, the 41-year-old was kept quiet by DR Congo’s defense and could not add to his tournament scoring record.
The result represents a disappointing start for Portugal, who entered the tournament among the leading title contenders.
For DR Congo, the point carries major significance after more than five decades away from football’s biggest competition.
Portugal will next face Uzbekistan on June 23 before meeting Colombia in their final group match on June 27.
DR Congo will play Colombia in their second fixture before ending the group stage against Uzbekistan.
