Congo Bow Out Of U17 World cup

Congo’s run at the U17 World Cup ended on Wednesday after a 2-1 defeat by Uruguay in the round of 16 in Mexico. The Baby Red Devils were hoping to make the quarter-finals at the third time of asking but found the task beyond them.

The Congolese lost all their three matches at the 1985 event in China and missed out on a place in the last eight by a whisker in Italy six years later. Despite holding their own for much of the game, the Africans were undone by two well-taken goals.

After a goalless first half against the Uruguyans at the Estadio Morelos in Morelia, Congo took the lead through Hardy Binguila after 53 minutes. The South Americans equalised 12 minutes later when Maximiliano Moreira beat goalkeeper Chill Ngakosso from close range.

Four minutes from time, with the match seemingly heading for extra-time, Gaston Silva pounced to send the Congolese home. Uruguay will now take on Uzbekistan in the quarter-finals after the Asian newcomers routed Australia earlier in the day.