Online ReporterGUADALAJARA. — Former England under-21 international Axel Tuanzebe basked in the adulation of one of Africa’s largest nations on Tuesday after his goal in extra time against Jamaica put the Democratic Republic of Congo into the World Cup.
The centre back kneed the ball home in their inter-confederation playoff final to book a first World Cup place for the Congolese since they appeared at the 1974 tournament when the country was still known as Zaire.
“To get the winning goal for the country, this is what, as a young boy, you dream about,” said Tuanzebe. “It’s happened for me, and I’m so very happy. I’m so proud of what I could do for my country.”
Tuanzebe is Congolese-born but moved with his family to Britain as a five-year-old. He joined Manchester United aged eight and was included in the first-team squad when only 17.
A member of England’s junior sides, he was released by Manchester United in 2023 and went to Ipswich Town in the Championship.
Congo, who will play in Group K at the finals with Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan, made overtures for him to play at the Africa Cup of Nations in early 2024 but he only switched allegiance at the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
“My dad has been with me all the way and is here,” said Tuanzebe, pointing at the stands at the Estadio Guadalajara. “My brother too,” added the defender, who moved to Burnley at the start of the season.
With a population of almost 110 million DR Congo is one of the continent’s most populous countries, but the majority of its team is made up of players from an extensive diaspora across Europe, who coach Sebastien Desabre said had forged a tight group.
“I’m so happy for the Congolese people and these players. They have fought resiliently through these qualifiers,” the French-born coach said.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, Morocco and Senegal were among the African World Cup qualifiers who all won warm-up friendlies on Tuesday, while Egypt had a credible draw against Spain to boost their hopes for the tournament starting in June.
But there was a disappointing home loss for South Africa to Panama just a day after their coach Hugo Broos suggested they could be a surprise package at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US.
Senegal played their first match at home since their disputed Africa Cup of Nations final success in January and beat neighbours Gambia 3-1 in Dakar to add to Saturday’s 2-0 win over Peru in Paris.
Senegal had a much-changed lineup and had to wait until first-half stoppage time to take the lead through a header from defender Abdoulaye Seck off El Hadji Malick Diouf’s corner.
Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye doubled the lead shortly after the break but Omar Colley pulled a goal back in the 51st minute.
Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara made sure of victory in stoppage time, tucking away the rebound after Bamba Dieng’s shot was parried away.
Morocco, who were handed the Africa Cup of Nations title when Senegal were stripped of the crown earlier in March, beat Paraguay 2-1 in Lens, France. Bilal El Khannouss opened the scoring from Achraf Hakimi’s cross three minutes into the second half before Neil El Aynaoui doubled the score five minutes later. Paraguay netted a late consolation through Gustavo Caballero.
Ivory Coast had the better of Scotland at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium with Nicholas Pepe’s 12th-minute effort proving decisive.
EGYPT CONFIDENCE GETS BOOST
Egypt’s goalless draw with a below-par Spain in Cornella de Llobregat will do their confidence going into the tournament the world of good.
Egypt came closest in the first half when Omar Marmoush’s shot from the edge of the box hit the post, while there was little to enthuse over for Spain, who created several half-chances but little in the way of clear-cut opportunities.
Egypt finished the game with 10 men after a second yellow card for Hamdi Fathy.
Algeria drew 0-0 with Uruguay in Turin, squandering a rare chance in front of goal when Houssem Aouar skied his attempt from close in. But after beating Guatemala 7-0 last week, Algeria found few attacking chances against the South Americans.
South Africa lost 2-1 in Cape Town to Panama despite a stunning long-range strike from centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi. It came between goals for Jose Angel Cordoba and Jiovanny Ramos. — Reuters
