Chancel Mbemba was the hero for DR Congo as his stoppage-time purpose sealed a dramatic 1–0 victory over Cameroon, establishing a mouthwatering ultimate conflict with Nigeria within the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Leopards captain struck within the first minute of added time, drifting away from his marker to move dwelling Brian Cipenga’s deep nook and stun the five-time African champions on the Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat.
It was a heartbreaking evening for Cameroon, who maintain the African file for probably the most World Cup appearances with eight however will now miss the expanded 48-team event subsequent yr.
The semi-final was a good and tense affair, performed underneath heavy rain that made circumstances tough. Each groups created few clear possibilities, with Congo’s Cedric Bakambu forcing a advantageous low save from Andre Onana on the hour mark, whereas Bryan Mbeumo fired narrowly extensive for Cameroon shortly after.
The Indomitable Lions had two late alternatives via Karl Etta Eyong, however the ahead didn’t convert earlier than Mbemba’s last-gasp winner despatched the Congolese followers into wild celebration.
The end result means DR Congo, whose solely World Cup look got here in 1974 after they have been referred to as Zaire, will now tackle Nigeria — who defeated Gabon 4–1 after further time earlier within the day — in Sunday’s play-off ultimate in Rabat.
The winner of the ultimate will advance to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March, the place two nations will safe the ultimate spots on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the US.
Each DR Congo and Nigeria can be chasing historical past, with the Tremendous Eagles aiming to achieve their seventh World Cup and the Leopards dreaming of a return to soccer’s largest stage after greater than 5 many years.
