DR Congo midfielder, Ngal Ayel Mukau, has admitted there was no tactical plan to contain Cristiano Ronaldo in their 2026 World Cup opener.
The Leopards held Portugal to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, after Yohan Wissa’s header cancelled out Joao Neves’ goal.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Mukau accepted Ronaldo is still one of the greatest players, but is not the same as before.
He said: “A special plan to contain Cristiano Ronaldo? To be honest, not really.
“We know that he isn’t the same as before. He’s a bit older now. But still, he’s one of the greatest… much respect to him.”
Mukau’s comments come amid calls from fans and pundits for Ronaldo to be given limited playing time in the national team.