Kane-inspired England eliminate DRC

by JEAN KASSONGO
KINSHASA, (CAJ News) – THE Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has crashed out of the World Cup following a 2-1 defeat to England at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday evening.

England talisman and captain Harry Kane was once again the hero for the Three Lions in this come-from-behind victory over the Central African side, which had appeared on course for a memorable win and one of the greatest shocks in the tournament’s history.

His two goals broke the hearts of the Leopards in the last-32 encounter.

Brian Cipenga gave the Congolese a dream start in the seventh minute when he lashed a shot from inside the box into the bottom-left corner beyond Jordan Pickford.

The DRC thwarted every attempt at a comeback by one of the pre-tournament favourites until the 75th minute.

A cross from the left by Anthony Gordon found Kane lurking six yards from goal, and the number nine made no mistake, heading the ball beyond Lionel Mpasi into the left-hand side of the net.

England’s all-time leading goalscorer returned to haunt the Congolese in the 86th minute when, after some clever footwork to create space for himself inside the penalty area, he fired a rising shot into the top-right corner.

The goal deflated the DRC, who nonetheless had an opportunity to force extra time with almost the final kick of the match, but Yoane Wissa’s set-piece sailed narrowly over the crossbar.

In the end, England maintained their record of never having lost a World Cup match to an African nation.

The Congolese exit with their heads held high, having reached the knockout stage for the first time and made their first appearance at the tournament since 1974, when they competed as Zaire.

– CAJ News