2026 World Cup: despite an exceptional Mpasi, DR Congo falls to Colombia
Colombia eventually managed to defeat a heroic DR Congo, but they had to sweat for it. In the night of June 23 to 24, in Guadalajara, the Cafeteros won 1-0 against the Leopards on the second matchday of Group K, thanks to a deflected shot from Daniel Muñoz in the 75th minute. But the real hero of the evening wore the Congolese jersey.
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Mpasi, an almost impenetrable wall… almost until the end
Overwhelmed by a dominant Colombia that multiplied their attacks for 75 minutes, the Congolese held out thanks to just one man: their goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi. Delivering several crucial saves, he kept the inevitable at bay for a long time and prevented what looked like an impending collapse. So much so that Opta's statisticians noted a historic feat: five saves in the first twenty minutes, something not seen since Warren Barrett (Jamaica) against Argentina in 1998. He finished the match with 9 saves.
The score was still goalless at halftime, an almost undeserved result given the course of play, but one that mainly benefited the Leopards. In the second half, the scenario repeated itself: Colombian possession, Congolese defending, and Mpasi ever watchful. It eventually took an unfortunate deflection, from a Córdoba cross turned in by Muñoz, to finally break his resistance.
Congo still alive for the round of 16
This defeat does not eliminate DR Congo. With one point and third place in Group K (behind Colombia with 6 pts and Portugal with 4 pts), Sébastien Desabre’s Leopards remain in contention thanks to the rule of the eight best third-placed teams. Everything will be decided on the last matchday, Sunday, June 29 in Atlanta, against an Uzbekistan side already eliminated: a victory could be enough to keep Congo in the knockout draw for the round of 16.
For their part, Colombia, already assured of qualification with six out of six points, will face Portugal for the top spot in the group the same day, in Miami.
Nevertheless, to get there, DR Congo will need their attacking leaders: Bakambu, Wissa and company, who were kept quiet against Colombia.