DR Congo laboured to a 1-0 victory against South Sudan in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture on Friday.

In the Group B contest at the Pentecost Martyrs Stadium, the opening few minutes saw the home team dominating ball possession, circulating the ball from side to side but failed to dig deep enough and without generating clear goal-scoring options that could endanger the opponent’s goal.

Brentford striker Yoane Wissa almost put DR Congo ahead after he saw his first-time shot saved by Bright Stars goalkeeper Majak Mawith. South Sudan’s William Gama was yellow carded in the 40th minute and from the resultant free-kick Bogonda’s effort could not trouble Mawith.

With five minutes added before the half-time break, DR Congo broke the deadlock when right winger Théo Bongonda cut inside, before unleashing in a left-footed shot that was impossible for Mawith to stop from going into the net. DR Congo went into the half-time break leading 1-0.

In the 55th minute, both teams made changes, Silas coming out and Elia Meschack entering the fray for the home team, while for the visitors, Yohanna Paulino and Paul Jawa were benched with David Omot Sebit and Pap Chol Majok Akech taking their positions.

DR Congo are now second in the group with 10 points from five matches.