Democratic Republic of Congo marked their return to the FIFA World Cup after a 52-year absence with a memorable performance, holding tournament hopefuls Portugal to a hard-fought 1-1 draw in their Group K opener.
The Leopards showed remarkable resilience to recover from an early setback and earn a valuable point against the reigning UEFA Nations League champions, while Portugal were left frustrated after failing to turn their dominance into victory.
Portugal appeared to be on course for a comfortable evening when they struck inside six minutes.
Pedro Neto delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area and João Neves rose highest to plant a precise header beyond goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The goal continued the midfielder’s excellent form, marking his fourth strike in his last two competitive international appearances.
However, rather than allowing the early setback to derail them, DR Congo responded with confidence and determination, as Yoane Wissa fired narrowly wide shortly after the opener, while Cédric Bakambu saw a promising effort blocked as the African side began to grow into the contest.
Portugal then continued to control possession, but despite boasting an abundance of creative talent, they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against a disciplined Congolese defence.
The Leopards remained compact and organised, frustrating Cristiano Ronaldo and company for much of the opening half.
Their persistence was rewarded just before the interval. A well-delivered corner found Wissa completely unmarked inside the penalty area, and the forward powered a header beyond Diogo Costa to score DR Congo’s first-ever World Cup goal and level the scores.
The equaliser was fully deserved. Although DR Congo enjoyed only 20 percent possession in the first half, they defended resolutely and capitalised on one of their key opportunities.
Seeking a response, Portugal manager Roberto Martínez introduced Francisco Conceição at halftime in place of Bernardo Silva.
The substitute was quickly involved, creating one of Portugal’s first chances of the second half, but he was unable to apply the finishing touch at the far post.
Portugal thought they had regained the lead when João Cancelo produced an acrobatic finish after controlling a pass from Neves, only for the assistant referee’s flag to rule the goal out for offside.
DR Congo remained dangerous on the counterattack and nearly produced a stunning upset when Bakambu struck the post. Although play was eventually halted for a foul on Fernandes in the build-up, the warning signs were there for Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo, appearing in his sixth World Cup tournament, finally found space for an opportunity in the latter stages but could not direct Conceição’s pass on target.
As the match opened up, both sides searched for a winner, yet half-chances for Bakambu and Cancelo failed to alter the scoreline.
When the final whistle sounded, it was DR Congo who celebrated most enthusiastically.
The draw represented a major achievement for DR Congo, who are making their first World Cup appearance since 1974, and was an improvement on their previous tournament campaign, where they lost all three matches and conceded 14 goals without scoring.
The result gives the Leopards genuine belief that qualification from Group K is within reach, with further matches against Uzbekistan and Colombia still to come.
Portugal, meanwhile, have now managed just one win in their last five World Cup opening matches, and will be disappointed with their lack of cutting edge.
