Chancel Mbemba scored a late winner as DR Congo beat Cameroon 1-0 to secure a spot in the World Cup playoffs final against Nigeria. Mbemba’s decisive goal came in the first minute of stoppage time, when he headed home Brian Cipenga’s deep corner breaking the hearts of the Cameroonians who thought the game would be heading to extra time and their country men coming out victorious in it since they were the top dogs in the contest.
The thrilling victory marks DR Congo’s first potential World Cup appearance since 1974, when they were known as Zaire if they triumph in the final.
The Leopards will now take on Nigeria’s Super Eagles who earlier beat Gabon 4 – 1 in the African playoffs final on Sunday, November 16 in Rabat, Morocco.
The winner of the match will advance to the inter-confederation playoffs in March, competing for a spot in the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Cameroon, who played in 2022 Qatar World cup will now have to wait for 2030 edition. The country holds the record for most World cup appearances by an African nation competing in 1982, 1990 (where they reached the quarter finals), 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2022 editions.
