FORMER Manchester United star Axel Tuanzebe sent the Democratic Republic of Congo to their first World Cup finals appearance in 52 years with a dramatic extra-time winner against Jamaica.
Tuanzebe, who made 19 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, was in the right place at the right time after Brian Cipenga’s in-swinging corner took a nick off the top of a Jamaican defender and cannoned into the on-rushing defender’s torso in the 100th minute.
Players from the Democratic Republic of the Congo national team celebrate with their fansCredit: EPA
The DR of Congo qualified for their first World Cup in 52 yearsCredit: EPA
Axel Tuanzebe of Congo DR celebrates after scoring the winning goalCredit: Getty
Tuanzebe will forever be a legend in Congo after scoring the vital goalCredit: Reuters
The 28-year-old represented at under-19, U20 and U21 levels before deciding to represent his country of birth in 2024.
Last year, another former star in Aaron Wan Bissaka – once worth £50 million – joining Premier League stars like Yoann Wissa and Noah Sidiki in their ranks.
Tuanzebe now has 11 caps to his name with his sole goal proving to be one of the most important in his country’s history.
He was born in Bunia – a city affected by the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo – but his family moved to England when he was just five years old.
The former – yes, seriously – joined the red half of Manchester at just eight years old and after years of captaining the youth teams to success, he was named on the first team bench at 17 years old.
Despite being given his first team debut by , injuries would blight his time at before he departed at the expiration of his contract in 2023.
The powerhouse defender has 61 Premier League appearances to his name across spells with United, Ipswich, and now Burnley.
He also has a sole appearance with as part of a forgettable loan in 2022.
In July 2025, Tuanzebe would go as far as to for £1 million over alleged negligent medical advice given during his time at the club.
DR Congo will take their place in Group K at the expanded 48-team tournament, facing Portugal in their opening match before taking on Colombia and Uzbekistan.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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