Brian Cipenga gave DR Congo a stunning early lead against England during their 2026 World Cup Round of 32 clash at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Sibinja received the ball inside the England penalty area before unleashing a low shot into the near corner. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford failed to make the save, allowing the Leopards to take a shocking lead in just the 7th minute.
A Milestone Goal for DR Congo
This goal was historic on multiple levels for the African nation:
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Knockout First: It marks the first-ever goal scored by DR Congo in the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup.
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International Debut Goal: For the 28-year-old Cipenga, this striking effort represents his first-ever international goal in 10 appearances for his country.
African World Cup Records: Sibinja’s strike is officially the second-fastest goal scored by an African nation in the World Cup knockout rounds. It sits just behind Kevin-Prince Boateng’s famous goal for Ghana against the USA in 2010, which came after only five minutes.
مفاجأة من الكونغو الديمقراطية مع انطلاق المواجهة .. المنتخب الإفريقي يفاجئ إنجلترا ويحرز الهدف الأول من بريان سيبينغا pic.twitter.com/vptbaoKjBl
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) July 1, 2026




