Axel Tuanzebe of DR Congo challenges Yared Kassaye Moges of Ethiopia during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers match between Ethiopia and D.R. Congo at Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 9 September 2024 ©Loveness Bernard/BackpagePix
Friday Apr 03, 2026. 12:00
Axel Tuanzebe realised a boyhood dream after scoring the winning goal against Jamaica on Tuesday to book DR Congo’s place at the 2026 World Cup.
The Burnley defender had only switched allegiances to the country of his birth at the start of the qualifying campaign after representing England at youth level.
Tuanzebe made his debut for the Leopards in the 1-1 draw with Senegal on 6 June 2024 and helped them reach the CAF playoff final against Nigeria which they won 4-3 on penalties.
The Manchester United youth product then became a national hero when he turned home a corner-kick in the 100th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Sebastien Desabre’s side in the inter-continental playoff final at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara.
“To get the winning goal for the country, this is what, as a young boy, you dream about,” Tuanzebe said.
“It’s happened for me, and I’m so very happy. I’m so proud of what I could do for my country. My dad has been with me all the way and is here. My brother too.”
DR Congo are set for only their second appearance at the global showpiece, having made their debut all the way back in 1974 as Zaire. They will contest Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan.
Desabre hailed the fighting spirit of his players to achieve the goal he set for them three and a half years ago, saying: “I’m so happy for the Congolese people and these players. They have fought resiliently through these qualifiers.”