The Mt Kenya Times 
DRC hold Ronaldo’s side to a hard-earned draw in a World Cup qualifier that refused to follow the script
By Norman Mwale
Democratic Republic of Congo held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in a pulsating World Cup Group F qualifier in Kinshasa on Wednesday, earning a point that underlined the Leopards’ growing belief on the continental stage.
Portugal broke the deadlock in the 34th minute through Bruno Fernandes, who latched onto a precise through ball from Bernardo Silva and drilled low past the goalkeeper from 18 yards. It was a composed finish that reflected the Selecção’s command of the opening exchanges, with Rúben Dias and João Cancelo keeping a disciplined shape that limited the hosts to rare glimpses of goal.
Yet DRC, organised and resilient under manager Sébastien Desabre, refused to be overwhelmed. The Leopards pressed with purpose after the interval, growing into the contest as the Kinshasa crowd lifted them forward. Their patience paid off in the 71st minute when Yoane Wissa rose to meet a whipped corner from Theo Bongonda, directing a firm header beyond Diogo Costa to spark scenes of celebration throughout the stadium.
The equaliser transformed the atmosphere entirely. What had been a controlled European exhibition became a physical, end-to-end contest, with tackles flying in and both sets of supporters in full voice. Portugal reasserted themselves late on and came close to restoring the lead in the final stages. Costa denied Wissa a second goal with a sharp save in the 88th minute as the Leopards pushed for a winner of their own, while Lionel Mpasi forced a fine stop from Costa after a curling effort from Rafael Leão was turned wide in stoppage time.
The final whistle prompted relief and pride in equal measure from the home dugout.
“We showed character and organisation against a top European side,” Desabre said. “To come from behind and earn a draw proves this team has belief. The players followed the plan and fought for every ball.”
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was candid in his post-match assessment, acknowledging that his side had left the door open unnecessarily.
“We controlled the game but did not finish it,” Ronaldo said. “One corner, one mistake, and we concede. In qualifiers you must be clinical for 90 minutes. We were not, and we must be better.”
The result reflected the growing competitiveness of African nations in the expanded World Cup qualification cycle. DRC are no longer content to absorb pressure and defend for draws against established European footballing powers. Under Desabre, they press with conviction, set pieces have become a genuine weapon, and players such as Wissa — whose club form with Brentford has transferred seamlessly to the international stage — are capable of punishing even the most organised defensive structures.
For Portugal, the dropped points serve as a timely reminder that nothing in qualification can be taken for granted. Roberto Martínez’s side possess the individual quality to beat any team in the world on a given night, yet Ronaldo’s observation that clinical ruthlessness cannot be rationed to 45-minute spells captures the challenge facing this generation of Portuguese players as they seek to deliver a major trophy.
Group F remains wide open. Portugal sit second on goal difference following the draw, while DRC remain unbeaten and firmly in the hunt for one of the automatic qualification spots. Both nations will be acutely aware that away points will prove decisive as the campaign enters its critical phase, and the pattern of this match — DRC resolute and threatening on the counter, Portugal dominant but fallible — suggests the group is unlikely to be settled until the final round of fixtures.
Kinshasa has delivered its statement. The Leopards will not be moved without a fight.
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