DR Congo 3-1 Uzbekistan Player Ratings: Mayele & Wissa Seal Historic Win For DR Congo Despite Falling Short Of Round of 32 Spot

DR Congo and Uzbekistan produced an entertaining contest in their final Group K fixture, with both sides knowing that qualification for the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 was on the line.

Uzbekistan started brightly and looked the more composed side in possession, creating the better opportunities through quick transitions and intelligent movement in the attacking third. The DR Congo national football team, meanwhile, relied on their physicality and direct approach, pushing numbers forward in search of a breakthrough but often lacking the final touch in front of goal.

Uzbekistan got their breakthrough in the 10th minute, as a mix-up at the back between Lionel Mpasi-Nzau and Aaron Wan-Bissaka saw Eldor Shomurodov latch onto a flick from Abbosbek Fayzullayev, and the former produced an audacious chip to give Fabio Cannavaro's side the lead.

The second half saw the intensity rise as DR Congo chased an equaliser, forcing the Uzbekistan national football team defence into several crucial interventions. Uzbekistan remained disciplined at the back while continuing to threaten on the counterattack, making full use of the spaces left behind by their opponents.

DR Congo got back into the game as Yoane Wissa was fouled in the box by Abdukodir Khusanov, resulting in a penalty. The Newcastle forward finished it calmly to level things up in the fixture.

Both goalkeepers were called into action with a series of important saves, keeping the match finely balanced until the closing stages. Ultimately, substitute Meschack Elia's shot was deflected and fell nicely for Fiston Mayele, who finished from close range to give Les Léopards the lead for the first time in this game.

Wissa added a third late in extra time as he chested a cross from Meschack Elia and fired in a low shot to put the game beyond Uzbekistan's reach.

Below are the DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Player Ratings.

DR Congo National Football Team Player Ratings vs Uzbekistan

Take a look at the DR Congo national football team player ratings from the DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Player Ratings.

Uzbekistan National Football Team Player Ratings vs DR Congo

Here are the Uzbekistan national football team player ratings from the DR Congo vs Uzbekistan Player Ratings.

Man of the Match

Yoanne Wissa was adjudged Sportsdunia's man of the match from DR Congo vs Uzbekistan.

Worst Performer

Abduvohid Nematov was the worst of the lot in this FIFA World Cup match.