New Delhi: Axel Tuanzebe scored in extra-time as the Democratic Republic of Congo qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974 with a 1-0 win over Jamaica in an inter-confederation playoff.

Tuanzebe netted in the 100th minute, which was approved after a VAR check at Estadio Guadalajara, one of the venues for the World Cup that will be held betwwwn June 11 and July 19.

“We’re happy, we’re really delighted. Right now, I don’t think we fully realise it yet, but when we get back to Kinshasa, it’s going to be crazy … congratulations to my teammates and to all Congolese people around the world,” striker Cedric Bakambu said.

Jamaica had beaten New Caledonia 1-0 in their semi-final play-off tie and had to play a second game in five days.

“It’s very frustrating to lose like that, very frustrating. It’s tournament football — we’re just lacking a goal, that’s all. Right now, it’s difficult to take any positives from this experience …,” Jamaica striker Ephron Mason-Clark said.

DR Congo qualified for the tournament for the second time after 52 years ago when the country was known as Zaire, becoming the 10th African country to book a ticket and will face Colombia, Portugal and Uzbekistan in Group K.

Czechia booked their first berth since 2006 after beating Denmark 3-1 in a shootout in Prague after a 2-2 draw after extra time.

They will take on Mexico, South Africa and South Korea in Group A.

Viktor Gyokeres’ 88th minute strike enabled Sweden to beat Poland 2and join Group F with Netherlands, Japan and Tunisia.

Turkey entered the tournament for the first time since 2004 with a 1-0 win over Kosovo in Pristina as Kerem Akturkoglu was on target from close range in the 53rd minute.

Turkey grabbed the final spot in Group D alongside USA, Paraguay and Australia.