DR Congo end Cameroon’s World Cup qualification aspirations with added time winner by their skipper Chancel Mbemba.
DR Congo defeated Cameroon 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Chancel Mbemba, the hero, setting up a matchup with Nigeria in the African play-off final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the first minute of stoppage time, Brian Cipenga’s deep corner was converted by the Leopards captain, who ghosted away from his man to upset the five-time continental champions.
With eight appearances altogether, the Indomitable Lions hold the African record for most World Cup appearances; however, they will not participate in the larger 48-team competition next year.
The semi-final match turned out to be a cagey affair as conditions in neutral Rabat were challenging due to heavy rain, despite the fact that the teams were only six spots apart in the global rankings.
Five minutes later, Bryan Mbeumo’s attempt for the Indomitable Lions nearly missed after Cameroonian custodian Andre Onana made a brilliant low save to deny Cedric Bakambu at the hour mark.
Karl Etta Eyong, Mbeumo’s teammate, also missed two late opportunities before to Mbemba’s spectacular intervention.
Nigeria, who defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time earlier on Thursday in the Moroccan capital, will play DR Congo, whose last World Cup appearance occurred in 1974 when the nation was known as Zaire.
The winners of the continental play-off final advance to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March, which will choose the final two countries for the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States the following year.