Denmark is not going to the World Cup, and the atmosphere in the stadium in Liege, which was dominated by Congolese fans, was somehow a painful reminder of that for the Danish players and national coach Brian Riemer.
Andreas Christensen made a comeback after a long-term knee injury, and the Danish central defender seemed rusty in the beginning when he gifted Cedric Bakambu a big opportunity with a failed back pass, but Christensen managed to make up for his error as he got in time to avert the danger after 12 minutes.
Bakambu was handed another chance when he was set up with a perfect through ball, but Filip Jørgensen, who had been given the chance as the Danish goalkeeper instead of Mads Hermansen, pulled off a terrific reflex foot save.
In the last 15 minutes of the first half, Denmark's attacking players began to show some quality.
Adam Daghim, who made his debut, was given a superb opportunity to give the Danes the lead by Mathias Jensen, but the 20-year-old winger failed to hit the target from close range.
Shortly after, Joakim Maehle hit the post with a long-range stinging drive from outside the box.
Christian Eriksen, who extended his international record with his 150th appearance, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg both managed to test DR Congo keeper Lionel Mpasi Nzau before the break.
William Osula came on from the start of the second half for his debut instead of Patrick Dorgu, who left a disappointing impression as a winger in the first half.
The Congolese were increasingly impatient to open the score, and substitute Simon Banza was also unable to reward the crowd with a goal as Jorgensen ventured out of his goal to cut off the angle towards the end of the match.
It finished all square in Liege, and while DR Congo will head to the World Cup, Denmark will have to suffice with a friendly against Ukraine on Sunday.