Congo’s Point of Pride

Yoane Wissa’s equaliser earned Congo DR their first-ever World Cup goal and point as Portugal were held to a 1-1 draw in Houston….reports Africa Daily News Desk

Congo DR secured the first point in their FIFA World Cup history as they battled back to hold Portugal to a 1-1 draw in a Group K clash at Houston Stadium on Wednesday, frustrating Cristiano Ronaldo and the European side despite an early setback.

Portugal appeared to be on course for a comfortable victory when Joao Neves opened the scoring in the sixth minute, but Congo DR responded with determination and earned a deserved equaliser through Yoane Wissa just before half-time.

The result marked a historic milestone for the African nation, which is appearing at the World Cup finals for the first time since 1974. After a 52-year wait, Les Leopards celebrated not only their first-ever World Cup goal but also their maiden point on football’s biggest stage.

Portugal enjoyed the majority of possession throughout the match but struggled to convert that dominance into meaningful opportunities. Roberto Martinez’s side managed just one shot on target and found it difficult to break down a disciplined Congolese defence.

For Congo DR, the draw represented a memorable achievement against one of the tournament favourites and a team expected to progress comfortably from a group that also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan.

The match began brightly for Portugal as Neves rose highest to meet Pedro Neto’s cross and headed past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to hand his side an early advantage.

However, Congo DR refused to be overawed. Wissa signalled their attacking intent after 10 minutes when he curled a left-footed effort narrowly wide of Diogo Costa’s goal.

Their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time when Arthur Masuaku delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area and Wissa powered home a header to level the scores. The goal sparked celebrations among the Congolese players and supporters as it became the nation’s first-ever World Cup goal.

Portugal thought they had restored their lead shortly after the break when Joao Cancelo produced a spectacular overhead kick, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Buoyed by the equaliser, Congo DR continued to threaten and nearly snatched a winner when defender Steve Kapuadi headed narrowly wide.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, endured a frustrating evening. The Portugal captain created little impact in front of goal and missed two half chances as he failed to add to his World Cup tally.

The 41-year-old nevertheless made history by becoming the oldest outfield player ever to start a World Cup match. At 41 years and 132 days, Ronaldo also became the second-oldest outfield player to feature at the tournament, behind Cameroon’s Roger Milla.

The appearance was Ronaldo’s 23rd in World Cup competition, drawing him level with Italian great Paolo Maldini in fourth place on the all-time appearances list.

Despite that personal milestone, the night ultimately belonged to Congo DR, whose spirited performance earned a historic result and ensured they left Houston with a point that will be remembered for years to come.