Defender Axel Tuanzebe said the Democratic Republic of the Congo feel they let slip a chance to make history in the 2-1 loss to England in the World Cup last 32.
Congo, in only their second men's World Cup, followed a strong group stage by taking a shock early lead against England through Brian Cipenga.
Yoane Wissa then hit the post as the underdogs threatened to go 2-0 up, but Three Lions skipper Harry Kane scored twice in the second half to set up a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico.
"Ultimately we're kicking ourselves more so because we felt we should've definitely held out the game," Tuanzebe, who grew up in England, told the BBC.
"We probably should've finished it in the first half as well but it was unfortunate it was not meant to be for us today."
Congo, in only their second men's World Cup, followed a strong group stage by taking a shock early lead against England through Brian Cipenga.
Yoane Wissa then hit the post as the underdogs threatened to go 2-0 up, but Three Lions skipper Harry Kane scored twice in the second half to set up a last-16 meeting with co-hosts Mexico.
"Ultimately we're kicking ourselves more so because we felt we should've definitely held out the game," Tuanzebe, who grew up in England, told the BBC.
"We probably should've finished it in the first half as well but it was unfortunate it was not meant to be for us today."
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