Central Plains FFA Chapter

07/01 11:52 CDT Congo leads England 1-0 at halftime in the round of 32 at the World Cup Congo leads England 1-0 at halftime in the round of 32 at the World Cup By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer ATLANTA (AP) --- Brian Cipenga gave Congo a surprising 1-0 lead over England at halftime at the World Cup on Wednesday. Cipenga scored in seventh minute of the round of 32 match to set up the potential upset at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Congo forward collected a cross on the left of the box and sent his shot low past goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post. England improved after the first-half hydration break with Ezri Konsa inadvertently deflecting Declan Rice's cross narrowly wide and Jude Bellingham forcing a save from Congo goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi with a close range header. England wanted a penalty late in the half when Harry Kane went down under a challenge from Mpasi, but referee Adham Makhadmeh waved away appeals. ___ James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson ___ See more of AP's World Cup coverage here