Bermuda’s senior national football team suffered a 2-0 defeat to DR Congo at the Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, as the Leopards continued their preparations for the intercontinental World Cup play-offs.
In a match designed to acclimatise the African side to North American conditions, DR Congo’s physical presence and tactical discipline eventually wore down a determined Bermuda side. Maurice Lowe’s men showed impressive early organisation, with the likes of Harry Twite and Zeiko Lewis working tirelessly to frustrate their higher-ranked opponents.
However, the breakthrough arrived in the 45th minute when Fiston Mayele reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box to slot home. It was a cruel blow for the Gombey Warriors just seconds before the interval.
The lead was doubled shortly after the restart. Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa, returning to international action after injury, calmly converted a 51st-minute penalty to make it 2-0.
Bermuda introduced several substitutes late on, including Roger Lee and Ne-Jai Tucker, in an attempt to find a way back into the contest. Yet, the Congolese defensive line, anchored by Chancel Mbemba, remained largely untroubled.
While the result marks another difficult night for the islanders, the experience of competing against World Cup-calibre opposition in Mexico provides vital lessons as they look to rebuild following their elimination from the 2026 qualifying groups.
