In the kickoff of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey, the Democratic Republic of Congo secured a comfortable 2-0 home triumph against Mauritania on Wednesday.
Yoane Wissa opened the scoring in the 63rd minute, propelling the Congolese team into the lead, followed by Theo Bongonda’s splendid individual effort that sealed the victory.
This positive result propels DR Congo, whose last World Cup appearance dates back to 1974, to a victorious start in Group B. As they navigate the challenges ahead, tougher tests loom, with Senegal expected to present a formidable challenge for the top spot in the group and a coveted place in the final qualifying round.
In other Wednesday clashes, Equatorial Guinea clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Namibia, thanks to a close-range finish by veteran striker Emilio Nsue. The 34-year-old’s goal secured three crucial points for the central African country in Group H.
However, heavy mist disrupted the opening match in Group A between Ethiopia and Sierra Leone, leading to a halt at halftime. The 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign is set to unfold over the next two years, with the nine group winners advancing to the final round, along with the four best runners-up.
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