Colombia 1-0 DR Congo: Munoz strike keeps Colombia on Portugal's heels
If you missed Colombia against DR Congo over your Wednesday breakfast, the headline is simple: a tight, gritty win sealed late. One moment of quality from Daniel Muñoz separated two stubborn sides, and a red card in the closing stages added the drama. Colombia leave Guadalajara with three points and momentum; Congo leave with regrets and a man fewer.
Final score: Colombia 1-0 DR Congo — kick-off was Wednesday 24 June 2026, 10:00 AM Singapore time at Guadalajara (Zapopan).
The storylines
This was a result about control rather than spectacle. Colombia arrived in Guadalajara needing to back up their Matchday 7 statement, the 3-1 dismantling of Uzbekistan, and they did so without ever fully cutting loose. For an hour the game stayed locked, the kind of patient, low-scoring contest that rewards composure over flair. When the breakthrough finally came, it felt earned rather than fortunate, and it leaves Colombia sitting on three points with a clear sense of where this group is heading.
DR Congo will look back on this one as a chance that slipped away. After holding Portugal to a draw on Matchday 7, they came to Zapopan organised and difficult to break down, and for long spells they frustrated a more decorated opponent. But discipline unravelled at the worst moment: Charles Pickel collected a second booking on 89 minutes and was sent off, capping a frustrating evening. A single point from two outings now leaves their progression hanging by a thread.
The story of the night belonged to Daniel Muñoz, the full-back turned matchwinner. His 76th-minute strike, teed up by substitute Juan Quintero, was the difference between a hard-fought win and a stalemate that would have suited Congo far more. Quintero's introduction just before the hour proved decisive, injecting the creativity Colombia had lacked. It was a reminder that depth wins tournaments, and that José Pékerman's old reliance on individual moments still defines how this Colombia side closes out games.
The tactical battle
The match turned on Colombia's bench. With the game stuck in a stalemate, the introduction of Juan Quintero on 58 minutes shifted the rhythm, giving Colombia a creator between the lines against a deep Congo block. Richard Rios later added legs in midfield. Congo's structure held until the goal, but once chasing the game with Nathanael Mbuku thrown on, the discipline that had served them so well frayed, and Pickel's dismissal sealed their fate.
Players to watch
- Daniel Muñoz (Colombia) — Scored the only goal from full-back, the decisive moment in a tight contest.
- Juan Quintero (Colombia) — Came off the bench to assist the winner and unlock a stubborn defence.
- Jefferson Lerma (Colombia) — Anchored midfield and saw out a physical finish, booked late while protecting the lead.
What's at stake
Colombia move to three points from one game, sitting just behind Portugal's four and holding a game in hand in Group K. DR Congo, on a single point, now face an uphill battle after a defeat that, combined with Pickel's suspension, complicates everything ahead. Uzbekistan remain pointless. The group is opening up, and Colombia look best placed to capitalise.
Key moments
- 56' Jhon Lucumí booked for Colombia
- 58' Juan Quintero introduced, changing the game
- 72' Charles Pickel cautioned for DR Congo
- 76' Daniel Muñoz scores, assisted by Juan Quintero
- 89' Charles Pickel sent off after a second yellow
- 90' Jefferson Lerma booked late
FAQ
What time is Colombia vs DR Congo in Singapore? Wednesday 24 June 2026, 10:00 AM Singapore time (SGT).
Where is Colombia vs DR Congo being played? At Guadalajara (Zapopan).
What is the head-to-head record between Colombia and DR Congo? Two sides arriving with contrasting starts: Colombia off a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan, Congo off a creditable draw with Portugal. This meeting tilted the group firmly in Colombia's favour.