Ngal'ayel Mukau

ANALYSIS
Mukau contributed one chance created, one interception and one tackle (one won) across his 45 minutes in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat to Colombia, operating as a disciplined central midfielder who provided defensive cover and some ball-winning intensity in the opening period before being replaced at halftime as DR Congo's coaching staff made tactical adjustments. The midfielder completed nine passes and contributed to his side's organized defensive structure that frustrated Colombia for the majority of the first half, with his pressing intensity and positional discipline reflective of the collective effort that kept the scoreline goalless deep into the second period. His composure and defensive intelligence from central midfield give DR Congo a reliable option in the Uzbekistan must-win, and his ability to screen the backline will be important against a side that showed counter-attacking quality against Colombia.