Daniel Munoz scored in the second half as Colombia beat Congo 1-0 on Tuesday night and booked a place in the World Cup last 32. Colombia struggled to break through for long periods before Muñoz found the decisive touch after sustained pressure.
Colombia controlled possession and territory but Congo defended with discipline and frustrated them for more than an hour. Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi stood at the centre of Congo’s resistance and made five difficult saves inside the opening 20 minutes.
Colombia created enough chances to put the match away much earlier. Mpasi denied them repeatedly and forced the South Americans to keep searching for another route through.
The breakthrough arrived in the 76th minute. The ball broke kindly inside the area after a deflection and Muñoz reacted first. He struck with his left foot and finally beat Mpasi, who had little chance to stop the effort.
Congo entered the tournament with confidence after taking a point from Portugal in a 1-1 draw. They defended with organisation again but carried less threat going forward and struggled to create enough pressure around the Colombia box.
Colombia now sit on six points from two Group K matches. Portugal sit two points behind after their 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, while Congo remain five points back.
The final group match now carries extra significance at the top of the table. Colombia need only a draw against Portugal on Saturday to finish as Group K winners. The same result would also send Portugal through to the knockout stage.
