Chancel Mbemba delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner as DR Congo edged Cameroon 1-0 in Rabat, booking a high-stakes showdown with Nigeria in the African play-offs for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
The Leopards captain slipped free of his marker to bury Brian Cipenga’s deep corner in the first minute of added time, stunning the five-time African champions and ending Cameroon’s hopes of appearing at next year’s expanded 48-team World Cup.
In a tense, rain-soaked semi-final between two closely ranked sides, clear chances were scarce. Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana pulled off a superb low save to deny Cedric Bakambu, while Bryan Mbeumo fired just wide minutes later. Karl Etta Eyong also wasted two late opportunities before Mbemba’s decisive strike punished the Indomitable Lions.
The defeat adds growing pressure on Cameroon coach Marc Brys, whose appointment has long been disputed by federation president Samuel Eto’o. Cameroon’s inconsistent campaign — including failure to top Group D behind Cape Verde — has now culminated in missing the global showpiece for only the fourth time since 1982.
DR Congo, whose only previous World Cup appearance came in 1974 as Zaire, now face an in-form Nigeria side that dispatched Gabon 4-1 after extra time earlier in the day. The winner of Sunday’s final will advance to a six-team intercontinental play-off in March, which will determine the last two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite the absence of injured Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa, DR Congo’s attack featuring Bakambu, Theo Bongonda and Fiston Mayele will pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s defence as Sebastien Desabre’s men chase a historic return to the world stage.
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