Sebastien Desabre’s reaction after the Congo DR draw with Portugal was blunt and revealing: "The players showed incredible commitment and selflessness." That is the backdrop to Tuesday’s Colombia vs Congo DR meeting. Congo DR already have their first World Cup point in history, and Yoane Wissa has given them another first by becoming the country’s first World Cup scorer.

Desabre's case for belief

The timing of the Portugal result matters because it ended a long wait. Fifty-two years had passed since Congo DR’s previous World Cup appearance, and the 1-1 draw gave them their first point on this stage. That kind of night changes the mood around a squad, especially when the manager frames it in terms of commitment rather than celebration.

Wissa’s goal also gives Congo DR a genuine reference point in attack. His World Cup record is simple enough, 1 appearance and 1 goal, and the opener against Portugal was the headline moment of the match. Cédric Bakambu also went close when he struck the post in the second half, which suggests Congo DR are not arriving in Colombia with only one route to goal.

Colombia's test on Tuesday

Colombia come in with a result of their own, a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan in their opening game. Their attack has already shown threat too, with Luis Díaz posting 1 goal and 1 assist at this World Cup. That gives Nestor Lorenzo a side with more proven end product, and it is the clearest reason Congo DR will need another disciplined night.

The other piece of the Congo DR story is the group’s defensive base. Chancel Mbemba, Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka give Desabre options across the back line, and the draw with Portugal showed they can hold their shape under pressure. The challenge against Colombia is a bigger one, but Congo DR have already shown they can make a strong side work for its chances.

The belief is real now, and it is built on results, not rhetoric. Congo DR have a first World Cup point, a first World Cup scorer and a coach speaking in concrete terms about his players’ effort. Colombia will still start as the more tested side, but Tuesday’s game in Colombia vs Congo DR is no longer just about survival for Congo DR, it is about whether the Portugal night can carry into another difficult opponent.

Written by Sam Whitfield with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →