This was the first-ever assembly between these two sides, having been drawn collectively in pathway one among Fifa’s intercontinental play-offs, with each coming into the match off the again of morale-boosting wins.
A single purpose from Wrexham striker Bailey Cadamarteri was sufficient to assist Jamaica previous New Caledonia in Friday’s play-off semi-final, whereas DR Congo warmed up with a 2-0 win of their pleasant towards Bermuda.
The Central Africans had superior straight into the play-off ultimate courtesy of their world rating, sitting forty ninth with Jamaica 68th.
However the Leopards had definitely labored exhausting to make it this far – this was their thirteenth qualifier in a marketing campaign which started again in November 2023.
Sebastien Desabre’s crew completed second behind Senegal of their group earlier than overcoming Cameroon and Nigeria in African play-offs to arrange this encounter within the coronary heart of Mexico.
Congo had the higher of the early possibilities, with Bakambu’s first offside effort coming within the fifth minute, poking residence from contained in the six-yard field from Meschack Elia’s low ball.
Elia then noticed his near-post effort from a good angle thwarted by a mixture of goalkeeper Andre Blake and the publish.
However the Reggae Boyz grew into the competition because the half wore on, with interim coach Rudolph Speid, who changed former England boss Steve McLaren after he quit in November, watching on tensely.
First, Kasey Palmer’s goal-bound effort from the sting of the world was blocked by Chancel Mbema on the half hour.
And shortly earlier than the break, Leon Bailey’s left-foot fizzer from distance flashed throughout purpose.
Blake saved effectively from Bakambu’s long-range roller early within the second half earlier than Bailey’s diving header on the far publish flew simply broad.
Bakambu had the ball within the internet once more with 5 minutes to go, however substitute Theo Bongonda had strayed past the final man earlier than laying on the help.
The Congolese largely managed additional time and may have completed off the sport late on as soon as they’d taken the lead, with Watford midfielder Edo Kayembe blazing over with the purpose gaping after a counter assault.
However Tuanzebe’s strike, his first for his nation, was in the end sufficient to see them over the road.
