Congo leads England 1-0 at halftime in the round of 32 at the World Cup
ATLANTA (AP) — Brian Cipenga gave Congo a surprising 1-0 lead over England at halftime at the World Cup on Wednesday.
Cipenga scored in seventh minute of the round of 32 match to set up the potential upset at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Congo forward collected a cross on the left of the box and sent his shot low past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post.
England improved after the first-half hydration break with Ezri Konsa inadvertently deflecting Declan Rice’s cross narrowly wide and Jude Bellingham forcing a save from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with a close range header.
England wanted a penalty late in the half when Harry Kane went down under a challenge from Mpasi, but referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away appeals.
___
James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
___
See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here
© Copyright The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in this news report may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.
