DR Congo and Senegal Eliminated from World Cup After Painful Knockout Defeats

Africa’s hopes of adding two more teams to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 came to a heartbreaking end as the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Senegal were both eliminated after surrendering early leads in dramatic knockout matches.

DR Congo suffered a 2-1 defeat to England despite taking an early advantage, while Senegal endured a devastating 3-2 extra-time loss to Belgium after throwing away a two-goal lead.

In Atlanta, DR Congo looked set to produce one of the biggest shocks of the tournament when Brian Cipenga fired his side ahead in the seventh minute. The forward collected a cross inside the penalty area before drilling a low shot past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post.

The African side continued to impress throughout the first half and nearly doubled their advantage when Yoane Wissa struck the post. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi also delivered an outstanding performance, producing several brilliant saves to deny Jude Bellingham and frustrate England’s attack.

However, England captain Harry Kane turned the match around in the closing stages. Kane headed home the equaliser in the 75th minute after connecting with Anthony Gordon’s cross before adding a superb second goal 11 minutes later to send England into the Round of 16.

Despite the disappointment, DR Congo can take pride in a historic tournament that saw them register their first-ever World Cup goal, point and victory, more than five decades after their only previous appearance as Zaire at the 1974 FIFA World Cup.

Head coach Sébastien Desabre praised his players for their performance but admitted the result was difficult to accept after coming so close to a famous victory.

Meanwhile, Senegal also suffered a heartbreaking exit after losing 3-2 to Belgium in one of the most dramatic matches of the knockout stage.

Habib Diarra opened the scoring midway through the first half before Ismaila Sarr doubled Senegal’s advantage early in the second period, leaving the Lions of Teranga firmly in control with only minutes remaining.

Belgium, however, staged an incredible comeback. Romelu Lukaku pulled one goal back before Youri Tielemans equalised late in normal time to force extra time.

The decisive moment came deep into extra time when Belgium were awarded a penalty. Tielemans calmly converted from the spot to complete a remarkable turnaround and send Belgium through to the next round.

Senegal’s players strongly protested the penalty decision, but the referee allowed the goal to stand, ending the West African nation’s hopes of progressing further in the competition.

Speaking after the match, Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra admitted the team was devastated by the result, saying they only had themselves to blame after failing to maintain their advantage.

Defender Krépin Diatta also praised Belgium’s fighting spirit but acknowledged Senegal should have finished the match when they had the opportunity.

Morocco now remain the only African nation left in the tournament after advancing earlier this week, while DR Congo and Senegal leave the competition having shown resilience, quality and determination despite their painful exits.