DR Congo scored in the seventh minute via a strike from Brian Cipenga against England but its goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau played an equally important role in keeping the African side ahead at half-time in the Round of 32 match on Wednesday.
The 31-year-old custodian made two saves to deny headers from Jude Bellingham from close range. He also made a crucial save to his right to block a volley from Harry Kane from the right side of the penalty area.
He was also involved in a controversial passage of play as he collided with Harry Kane in the penalty area after coming off his line, but was given a reprieve as the referee did not award a penalty to England.
In the first half, he made three saves and had a goals prevented rate of 1.23.
Mpasi-Nzau plays for French club Le Havre since 2025. However, he’s played the most for a second division side in France called Rodez. Interestingly, he also has a goal for that team.
Though he plays for DR Congo currently, Mpasi-Nzau also represented France at the Under-17 level between 2010 and 2012. He also played for the B team of Paris-Saint Germain before moving to Toulouse.
Published on Jul 01, 2026
