The Democratic Republic of Congo joined other African representatives in the World Cup knockout stage after sealing a place in the Round of 32.
The Leopards reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history after a comeback 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their final group-stage game.
Meanwhile, a miscommunication between Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka gave Eldor Shomurodov a chance to break the deadlock for Uzbekistan.
The Asians were highly motivated after the opener and were on top throughout much of the first half.
However, DR Congo had a goal disallowed for a foul in their own half in the build-up before Nathanael Mbuku fizzed an effort inside the near post.
The Leopards looked like a more rejuvenated side in the second half, knowing very well that a progression to the knockouts was on the line.
They won a penalty when Yoanne Wissa was brought down by Abdukodir Khusanov inside the box, and the Newcastle United star struck past the goalkeeper from the penalty spot.
DR Congo doubled their lead when Fiston Mayele prodded past Abduvohid Nematov from close range after he tracked the path of a deflected Meschack Elia shot.
Wissa recorded his brace as he arrowed an effort inside the far post from the edge of the box in stoppage time to wrap the victory up for the Africans.
History
DR Congo finished third in Group K and will play England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
The knockout ticket has been sealed fifty-two years after their World Cup debut.
In 1974, when known as Zaire, their three group defeats included a 9-0 hammering by Yugoslavia.
Other African countries in the Round of 32 are South Africa, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, Ghana, Egypt, and Algeria, while Tunisia remain the only African country knocked out in the group stage.
