Wissa cancels out early Neves strike as Leopards claim first World Cup point in 52 years

The Democratic Republic of Congo secured a memorable 1-1 draw against Portugal on Wednesday, earning their first FIFA World Cup point in 52 years on their return to the global stage.

Portugal struck early, with João Neves finding the net in the sixth minute to hand the European side a quick advantage against the Leopards, who faced an uphill battle against one of the tournament favourites led by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Despite seeing little of the ball, DR Congo remained compact and disciplined at the back, frustrating Portugal for long stretches of the encounter. The Congolese side, coached by Sébastien Desabre, absorbed sustained pressure as Portugal dominated possession and dictated the tempo.

Refusing to be overwhelmed, the Leopards stayed resilient and continued to threaten on the counterattack.

Their persistence paid off when Yoane Wissa produced a superb equaliser, cancelling out Neves’ opener and sparking jubilant celebrations among Congolese fans.

The result marks a significant milestone for DR Congo, whose last World Cup appearance came in 1974 under the name Zaire. That campaign ended in disappointment, but this new generation displayed grit and composure against elite opposition.

By holding Portugal, the Leopards not only ended a 52-year wait for a World Cup return but also signalled their intent to compete strongly on football’s biggest stage, boosting hopes of further progress in the tournament.