Kane’s Late Brace Breaks Mpasi’s Resistance as England Edge DR Congo 2-1

For 75 minutes, Lionel Mpasi made the world believe in miracles. Then Harry Kane intervened.

England came from behind to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the World Cup Round of 32 on Wednesday night, with Kane’s late double ending a resolute Leopards performance and an inspired goalkeeping display that will live long in Kinshasa.

Few expected DR Congo to lead England at a World Cup. Yet they did, and for longer than most predicted. In the seventh minute, Cipenga — earning just his third cap — latched onto a long ball from captain Chancel Mbemba. Djed Spence was caught flat-footed as Cipenga raced in from a tight angle and drilled a right-footed shot past Jordan Pickford at the near post. It was his first international goal and it put the Leopards 1-0 up against one of the tournament favourites.

What followed was a masterclass in resilience. Sébastien Desabre’s side dropped deep, defended in two compact banks of four, and gave England possession in areas that posed little threat. The Three Lions dominated the ball and created multiple chances, but Mpasi denied them at every turn.

In the 33rd minute he produced the save of the match. Declan Rice’s free-kick picked out Jude Bellingham, whose header looked destined for the net. Mpasi flung up a one-handed stop, pushed it wide and immediately reorganised his defence. Minutes later he blocked Marcus Rashford instinctively before smothering a close-range effort from Kane. A penalty appeal by Kane was waved away, and just before half-time Yoane Wissa struck the post from Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross. At the break, DR Congo led 1-0.

England pushed harder after the restart. Rashford was moved wide, fresh legs were introduced and crosses poured into the box. Mpasi handled it all — claiming high balls, marshalling his back line and using every goal kick to slow the tempo. The largely English crowd grew restless as an upset loomed.

But Kane thrives in such moments. In the 75th minute, he rose highest from a corner and powered a header past Mpasi to make it 1-1. Four minutes from time, the winner came. Kane took his position in the box and rifled the ball beyond Mpasi for 2-1.

Beaten but unbowed, Mpasi continued to repel England until the final whistle. At full time he dropped to his knees, gloves still on, staring at the turf.

The statistics reflected a mismatch that never felt like one. England had more shots, more corners and more possession. DR Congo had more belief, and Mpasi made four crucial saves to keep them in it. Kane’s brace was his fifth goal of the tournament. England now face co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City on Sunday.

For DR Congo, it is an exit with honour. Competing in their first World Cup since 1974, they reached the knockouts as the highest-ranked third-placed side. They led England and held that lead far longer than expected.

“We lost to a player who decides games, but we did not lose our dignity,” Desabre said afterwards. “Mpasi was outstanding. The team was outstanding. We go home with our heads high and with hope for the future.”

Kane’s brace took England through. Mpasi’s resistance made them earn it.

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