This was the first-ever meeting between these two sides, having been drawn together in pathway one of Fifa’s intercontinental play-offs, with both coming into the match off the back of morale-boosting wins.
A single goal from Wrexham striker Bailey Cadamarteri was enough to help Jamaica past New Caledonia in Friday’s play-off semi-final, while DR Congo warmed up with a 2-0 win in their friendly against Bermuda.
The Central Africans had advanced straight into the play-off final courtesy of their world ranking, sitting 49th with Jamaica 68th.
But the Leopards had certainly worked hard to make it this far – this was their 13th qualifier in a campaign which began back in November 2023.
Sebastien Desabre’s team finished second behind Senegal in their group before overcoming Cameroon and Nigeria in African play-offs to set up this encounter in the heart of Mexico.
Congo had the better of the early chances, with Bakambu’s first offside effort coming in the fifth minute, poking home from inside the six-yard box from Meschack Elia’s low ball.
Elia then saw his near-post effort from a tight angle thwarted by a mix of goalkeeper Andre Blake and the post.
But the Reggae Boyz grew into the contest as the half wore on, with interim coach Rudolph Speid, who replaced former England boss Steve McLaren after he quit in November, watching on tensely.
First, Kasey Palmer’s goal-bound effort from the edge of the area was blocked by Chancel Mbema on the half hour.
And shortly before the break, Leon Bailey’s left-foot fizzer from distance flashed across goal.
Blake saved well from Bakambu’s long-range curler early in the second half before Bailey’s diving header at the far post flew just wide.
Bakambu had the ball in the net again with five minutes to go, but substitute Theo Bongonda had strayed beyond the last man before laying on the assist.
The Congolese largely controlled extra time and should have finished off the game late on once they had taken the lead, with Watford midfielder Edo Kayembe blazing over with the goal gaping after a counter attack.
But Tuanzebe’s strike, his first for his country, was ultimately enough to see them over the line.
