Categories: Sports

DR Congo stun Portugal with World Cup opening draw

Portugal and their talisman Cristiano Ronaldo were left frustrated after being held to a 1-1 draw ‌by Group K rivals Democratic Republic of Congo in their World Cup clash on Wednesday.

Portugal took the lead inside six minutes when Pedro Neto crossed ⁠for Joao Neves to head home from 15 metres as one of the pre-tournament favourites made the perfect start.

DR Congo, appearing at their first World Cup since 1974, grew into ‌the ⁠game and were level deep into added time at the end of the first half when Yoane Wissa was left unmarked from a ⁠corner to head in at the back post.

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Cedric Bakambu struck the post for the Congolese in ⁠the second period, while Ronaldo twice fired wide from close range as he ⁠appeared at a sixth World Cup, a record he shares with Argentina’s Lionel Messi.

The draw leaves both teams with work to do. Both sides now face challenges in a competitive Group K that also includes Colombia and Uzbekistan.

Segun Ojo

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