Portugal appeared on course for victory after an early goal from Joao Neves, but DR Congo’s resilience was rewarded when Wissa headed home in first-half added time to secure a historic point.
Portugal made a bright start and broke the deadlock in the sixth minute. Pedro Neto delivered a cross from the left and Neves, left unmarked at the near post as defenders focused on Ronaldo, rose to head past goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
The goal continued the rapid rise of the 21-year-old midfielder, who was not even born when Ronaldo made his first appearance for Portugal at Euro 2004.
Portugal dominated possession after taking the lead but struggled to turn their control into clear chances. Bruno Fernandes nearly created a second goal in the 18th minute with a lofted pass to Nuno Mendes, only for Aaron Wan-Bissaka to make a crucial recovery tackle.
DR Congo gradually settled into the match and began to threaten. Cedric Bakambu and Wissa both tested Portugal’s defense, while Joris Kayembe’s long-range effort forced Diogo Costa into routine action.
Despite Portugal’s territorial advantage, the Africans remained within reach and struck in the final moments of the first half.
In the fifth minute of stoppage time, Arthur Masuaku delivered a precise cross into the box and Wissa powered an unstoppable header beyond Costa to score DR Congo’s first World Cup goal and level the match at 1-1.
The equalizer changed the mood of the contest and gave DR Congo renewed confidence heading into the second half.
Portugal attempted to raise the tempo after the break. Francisco Conceicao replaced Bernardo Silva at halftime, while Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos were introduced later as coach Roberto Martinez searched for a winner.
The Portuguese thought they had regained the lead in the 55th minute when Joao Cancelo finished acrobatically from close range, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Portugal continued to create opportunities. Fernandes and Conceicao combined to set up Ronaldo on several occasions, but the veteran striker was unable to convert. His best chance came in the 68th minute when he fired wide after a flowing move involving Fernandes.
DR Congo, meanwhile, looked increasingly comfortable. The central African side defended in numbers and occasionally threatened on the counterattack. Bakambu struck the post during a second-half scramble, although the move was eventually halted for a foul.
As the clock wound down, Portugal pushed forward but found few openings against DR Congo’s disciplined defense. Fernandes sent a long-range effort wide in stoppage time, while Tomas Araujo picked up a yellow card trying to stop a late breakaway.
The final whistle confirmed a memorable result for DR Congo, who frustrated one of the tournament favorites and claimed a valuable point in their World Cup return.
Portugal next face Uzbekistan in Group K, while DR Congo will look to build on the draw against Colombia.
Comments are closed.