Soccer-DR Congo make three changes as they look to go on the attack


Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group K - DR Congo v Uzbekistan - Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. - June 27, 2026 DR Congo coach Sebastien Desabre walks on the pitch before the match REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo

ATLANTA, June 27 (Reuters) - ⁠The Democratic Republic of Congo changed to a ⁠more attacking formation as they look to ‌beat debutantsUzbekistan on Saturday in their last World Cup Group K clash and advance to the Round of 32.

• DR Congo ​fielded five defenders in their ⁠previous two matches against ⁠Portugal and Colombia but Steve Kapuadi sits out this ⁠time ‌to allow an extra attacker in Brian Cipenga.

• In the midfield Nathanael Mbuku and ⁠Noah Sadiki’s more attacking approach means Edo ​Kayembe and ‌Ngalayel Mukau are benched.

• After losing 5-0 to ⁠Portugal in ​their last match, Uzbekistan made four changes as they look to win their first points.

• In defence Abdulla ⁠Abdullaev and Behruzjon Karimov make way ​for Khojiakbar Alijonov and Jakhongir Urozov while Akmal Mozgovoy is back in the midfield in place of Odiljon ⁠Xamrobekov.

• Uzbekistan’s other change sees Dostonbek Khamdamov in for Azizjon Ganiev.

Teams:

DR Congo:Lionel Mpasi, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku, Samuel Moutoussamy, Nathanael Mbuku, ​Noah Sadiki, Brian Cipenga, Cedric ⁠Bakambu, Yoane Wissa.

Uzbekistan: Abduvohid Nematov, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rustam Ashurmatov, ​Sherzod Nasrullaev, Khojiakbar Alijonov, Jakhongir ‌Urozov, Akmal Mozgovoy, Otabek Shukurov, ​Dostonbek Khamdamov, Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Eldor Shomurodov.

(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Atlanta; Editing by Toby Davis)

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