DR Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi and defender Axel Tuanzebe have shared their thoughts on the team’s performance after their Round of 32 defeat to England at the FIFA World Cup, www.aclsports.com reports.
DR Congo took the lead through Brian Cipenga, who scored his first international goal, but were eventually beaten 2–1 after two late strikes from Harry Kane turned the game in England’s favour.
Mpasi highlighted the team’s fighting spirit and the disappointment of falling short after a strong effort.
“Well, the thing I take away is the way we fought. We cared deeply about this competition and this match, to show the whole world that we Congolese are brave, that we fight,” he said.
“Unfortunately, we missed the last 15 minutes. I think fatigue played a role. But I am proud of the whole group and the whole team for representing Congo well.”
He added that the focus remained on the collective rather than individual performance, even after a busy display in which he produced several key saves throughout the tournament.
“Honestly, I don’t really focus on individual performance, it’s more about the collective. It’s my job to help the team, to make saves,” Mpasi said.
“I would have liked to keep out the two goals that went in, of course. But I am proud of this group. We have been fighting for so many years and gone through very difficult times.”
Mpasi also reflected on DR Congo’s overall World Cup campaign, as well as the progress of African football on the global stage.
“The World Cup is obviously an incredible competition, it’s the biggest stage in the world. We showed the world that Africa is progressing,” he said.
Aside Mpasi, also Tuanzebe reflected on the defeat, insisting DR Congo approached the game without fear against one of the tournament favourites.
“I don’t know why you’d be that surprised to see us perform like that against England when we did a little bit of that against Portugal,” he said.
“It’s a knockout round. We’re not going to fear England or allow them to openly dominate the game.”
He explained that DR Congo started strongly but may have been affected by the early dynamics of the match.
“You can see in the first 10 minutes how we went for the game and got the early goal. But maybe getting that early goal hindered our play in terms of wanting to protect the lead. Ultimately, we’re just disappointed,” he said.
Tuanzebe also sent a message to supporters, thanking them for their backing throughout the tournament.
“Thank you so much for the support. It’s a real shame that we couldn’t have more Congolese people out here to support,” he said.
“It’s been a beautiful campaign. We’ve really enjoyed the support, the love, the togetherness that we’ve had as a nation.”
Tuanzebe further praised the team’s journey from qualification through to the World Cup, highlighting the obstacles they overcame.
“From qualification to not quite getting that first position and having to face adversity, having to play Cameroon, Nigeria, Jamaica, and going through the long way to get to the World Cup, and coming here and really showing our identity has been a credit to everyone involved,” he said.
“We can only look forward to what’s to come. I’m sure it will inspire a lot of other players who have eligibility to play for the national team to step forward and come represent.”
