The Democratic Republic of Congo celebrated its first point at a World Cup in the 1-1 draw against Portugal on Wednesday, but are prepared for the challengers ahead and are determined this will not be the highlight of the tournament.
Yoane Wissa equalized at the end of the first half deep into extra time to score Congo’s first World Cup goal in its first appearance in the global finals since 1974, as the country went home with no goals scored and no points after three games.
Coach Sébastien Desabre admitted his side were “stressed” coming into the match, but that turned out well after conceding a goal inside six minutes.
“It is important to celebrate this,” Desabre told reporters. «It’s our first point and our first goal in a World Cup. I’m proud of my players and I told them it was important to rest for the next games (against Colombia and Uzbekistan).
«It was a difficult first half, as we expected. Gradually we grew into the match and were able to score from a set piece. We played a great match. We could have been better on the counter-attack, but we are happy with the draw.»
Desabre added that their goal had always been to get out of the group, and that one point is just a start.
«It’s the first step. But it’s important to go beyond that, that’s what we always try to do. Be better, run faster. In attack we still need to improve,» he said.
«The system we have rolled out has helped us and the players have been 100% committed. They have paid a lot of attention to our tactical approach. I am pretty sure we can do great things. We have to take advantage of this start.»
“It’s a draw against one of the best teams in the world, so we’re happy, but we need more points to get through to the next round.”
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Desabre was delighted with the way his side responded to a goal and felt Portugal took their foot off the gas once they took the lead.
“The shape of the game helped us because we conceded early and Portugal felt there was no real danger,” he said.
«We have that mental strength. We know how to overcome a difficult start. My players know how to come back and have the right attitude.»
Published on June 18, 2026
