DR Congo in late victory over South Africa

KINSHASA – A mazy run through the South African defence by substitute Mbutu Mbala in the final minutes of their World Cup qualifier set up the Democratic Republic of Congo for a hard-fought 1-0 victory yesterday.

Mbala dispossessed South African defender Neil Winstanley, then ran around him and central back Mbulelo Mabizela to pass to Kabamba Musasa who converted the opportunity three minutes from time in the African qualifying zone Group Two match. Mbala’s dribbling skills made a major impact after he was brought on at halftime and the home side’s dominance paid off with the last-gasp goal.The result was a serious setback for the 2006 World Cup ambitions for South Africa, who are to host the 2010 event.They might have had an early lead when midfielder Benedict Vilakazi looked to have been tripped in the penalty area after just 13 minutes before striker Benedict McCarthy hit the upright in the 17th minute with his team’s best chance of the game.But in the humid conditions and the intimidating atmosphere of a crowd estimated at 90 000, the South Africans wilted in the second half under persistent pressure down the flanks from Mbala and the Turkey-based right wing Marcel Mbayo.The result is a major boost for the Congolese side, who started the game without key strikers, Shabani Nonda and Lomana Tresor LuaLua.Monaco’s Nonda, who has not played for his country for almost two years, made an emotional appearance on the pitch before the game but said he was injured and watched from the stands.Portsmouth’s LuaLua did not play despite earlier assurances from Congo officials that he would do so.Congo lead the group on seven points from their four games, while South Africa are third on six points.- Nampa-ReutersMbala’s dribbling skills made a major impact after he was brought on at halftime and the home side’s dominance paid off with the last-gasp goal.The result was a serious setback for the 2006 World Cup ambitions for South Africa, who are to host the 2010 event.They might have had an early lead when midfielder Benedict Vilakazi looked to have been tripped in the penalty area after just 13 minutes before striker Benedict McCarthy hit the upright in the 17th minute with his team’s best chance of the game.But in the humid conditions and the intimidating atmosphere of a crowd estimated at 90 000, the South Africans wilted in the second half under persistent pressure down the flanks from Mbala and the Turkey-based right wing Marcel Mbayo.The result is a major boost for the Congolese side, who started the game without key strikers, Shabani Nonda and Lomana Tresor LuaLua.Monaco’s Nonda, who has not played for his country for almost two years, made an emotional appearance on the pitch before the game but said he was injured and watched from the stands.Portsmouth’s LuaLua did not play despite earlier assurances from Congo officials that he would do so.Congo lead the group on seven points from their four games, while South Africa are third on six points.- Nampa-Reuters