Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe and DR Congo challenge Nigeria

Chancel Mbemba rose high to head past Andre Onana in stoppage time to give DR Congo its first win over Cameroon in nearly 30 years. That moment not only opened the door to the African World Cup play-offs, but also announced the return of a sleeping giant. Nigeria knew their next opponents were no longer the unstable DR Congo of the past.

Climax against Cameroon: extra-time goal and affirmation

Without Yoane Wissa, DR Congo chose solidity and discipline as their foundation. They organized scientifically, waited for the moment to punish and Mbemba appeared at the right time with a decisive header in injury time. A victory of significance: decisive, pragmatic and true to what coach Sebastien Desabre is building.

Against a team with a lot of history, the DR Congo did not get carried away with emotions. They kept their distance, controlled the space and limited risks. The result was a mature style of football: few mistakes, patient and knowing how to finish off when the opportunity arose.

Desabre's discipline and the new framework

Desabre did not arrive with grand slogans. He rebuilt from the ground up: tactical discipline, mental resilience and a European-wide network of resources. In the starting lineup against Cameroon, Mbemba was the only Congolese-born player; the rest were from Switzerland, Belgium, France and England. This mix brought pace, intensity and a modern way of thinking.

The arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe has been a key catalyst. The English-bred duo have helped DR Congo raise their competitive standards, particularly in tempo and transition.

Wan-Bissaka strengthens the right wing

Wan-Bissaka had hoped to play for England, but opted for DR Congo. He brings energy and reliability to the right flank: compact in 1v1s, strong in duels and quickly adapting to Desabre’s defensive setup. Little details like body positioning when defending or when to run forward are all executed to script, helping to balance the team’s structure.

Tuanzebe raises the bar in central defence

Tuanzebe, who was once expected at Man Utd, brings composure and strength to the vertical axis. Alongside Mbemba, he creates a duo (when needed, a defensive trio) capable of confronting strong African attacks such as Senegal or Nigeria.

Tactical organization: space control, sharp counterattacks

The version of DR Congo under Desabre is different from the impulsive image of the past. They prioritized controlling space, keeping their formation and counter-attacking when their opponents were off balance. Against Senegal, DR Congo led 2-0 at one point before losing due to a lack of character in the final minutes. That defeat sent them into the play-offs, but also proved that the tactical foundation was on the right track.

On the other hand, Desabre still maintains the fighting spirit – part of the DNA of Congolese football – through a group of physically strong players like Pickel, combined with the experience of Mbemba and the mobility on the right wing from Wan-Bissaka.

Zaire's legacy and lessons from the past

Congolese football has a rich history. Under the name Zaire, the team won the African Cup twice and was the first sub-Saharan African country to qualify for the 1974 World Cup. This was underpinned by a strong club ecosystem, with TP Mazembe and AS Vita Club making a strong mark in the continental competition.

But from the mid-1970s, things went downhill due to political and economic instability and disjointed training. Despite occasionally reaching the AFCON semi-finals, the national team was virtually left out of the World Cup race for nearly 50 years. That is why the current journey is more than a ticket race: it is a test of the vitality of the entire football industry.

Nigeria ahead: a test of mettle

Nigeria have the tradition, the strength and the star power. But the pressure of recent unconvincing performances makes the clash with DR Congo a difficult one to predict. The young, dynamic version of DR Congo – with Mbemba, Pickel, Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe – is capable of presenting the Super Eagles with tough questions about their pace, intensity and organisation.

If they overcome Nigeria, the DR Congo will progress to the intercontinental round. Whatever the outcome, Desabre’s work has opened the door: a confident team, a mature generation and a true awakening giant.

Milestones and notable figures