Sports 1 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Tuanzebe's Extra-Time Heroics Secure DR Congo's First World Cup Spot in 52 Years
Axel Tuanzebe scored the decisive goal with a knee in extra time against Jamaica, propelling DR Congo to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. The diaspora-heavy squad, led by coach Sebastien Desabre, ended a long wait for the nation's 110 million people. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/tuanzebe-shines-for-dr-congo-to-end-52-year-world-cup-wait--5409844
Axel Tuanzebe, a former England under-21 player, became a national hero for DR Congo after netting the winning goal in extra time during the inter-confederation playoff final against Jamaica.
The centre-back kneed the ball into the net at Estadio Guadalajara, securing DR Congo’s return to the World Cup stage after a 52-year absence. The country, then known as Zaire, last featured in 1974.
Born in Congo but raised in Britain since age five, Tuanzebe progressed through Manchester United’s youth ranks before switching allegiance to DR Congo ahead of the 2026 qualifiers. He recently joined Burnley and celebrated with his family in the stands.
‘To get the winning goal for the country, this is what, as a young boy, you dream about,’ Tuanzebe said. ‘I’m so proud of what I could do for my country.’
DR Congo, with nearly 110 million people, relies heavily on Europe-based diaspora players who have formed a strong unit under coach Sebastien Desabre. ‘I’m so happy for the Congolese people and these players. They have fought resiliently,’ Desabre noted.
The Leopards will compete in Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)