The Democratic Republic of Congo came from behind to defeat Uzbekistan 3-1 on Saturday, securing a historic first World Cup victory and booking a Round of 32 clash against England, reports Reuters.
Striker Yoane Wissa starred with two goals, while substitute Fiston Mayele also found the net as DR Congo overturned a first-half deficit with three unanswered goals.
The victory saw the Congolese finish third in Group K behind Colombia and Portugal. They will now remain in Atlanta to face England on Wednesday.
It is DR Congo's first-ever World Cup win, achieved 52 years after their only previous appearance at the tournament in 1974.
Uzbekistan, making its World Cup debut, ended its campaign without a point after suffering a third consecutive defeat despite taking an early lead.
Captain Eldor Shomurodov put Uzbekistan ahead in the 10th minute after racing onto a clever flick from Abbosbek Fayzullaev before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
DR Congo thought they had equalised seven minutes later through Nathanael Mbuku, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review after Mbuku was judged to have fouled defender Sherzod Nasrullaev in the build-up.
The African side dominated possession after the break and eventually drew level when Wissa converted a penalty after being fouled by Abdukodir Khusanov.
Just 10 minutes later, Mayele completed the turnaround by poking home after Meschack Elia's effort deflected into his path.
Wissa sealed the victory in stoppage time with a superb finish from the edge of the penalty area before celebrating with teammates across the length of Atlanta Stadium.
The result sends DR Congo into the knockout stage with momentum, while England await in the next round.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
