DR Congo edged Cameroon in Rabat on Thursday night to reach the CAF World Cup qualifying play-off final, Chancel Mbemba striking deep into stoppage time to seal a 1–0 victory and end the Indomitable Lions’ campaign.
Sébastien Desabre’s side will face Nigeria in Sunday’s final (20:00 local time) for a place in the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off and a potential route to the 2026 World Cup.
The decisive moment arrived at the death when Marseille defender Mbemba peeled to the back post and turned in a Cipenga corner, sparking wild celebrations from the Leopards’ bench and leaving André Onana—excellent to that point—beaten for the first and only time.
Cameroon had created the clearer openings before the late twist. Bryan Mbeumo spurned the best of them on 65 minutes, shooting off target when clean through on Lionel Mpasi.
In the closing stages, Etta Eyong and Nicolas Ngamaleu also failed to convert half-chances as DR Congo kept their shape and trust in set-piece moments.
DR Congo’s approach was built on discipline and flashes of power up front. Cedric Bakambu’s hold-up play asked questions of the Lions’ centre-backs before Fiston Mayele’s introduction added fresh running in behind.
Behind them, Mpasi’s handling under pressure was assured, while a compact back line limited Cameroon largely to efforts they could see.
Onana’s saves looked set to drag the game towards extra time — twice denying Bakambu and clawing away a late effort from Mayele — until Mbemba’s late intervention settled a cagey tie decided by detail and concentration.
Defeat confirms Cameroon’s elimination at the semi-final stage, a painful ending after they had defended stoutly for long periods.
DR Congo, meanwhile, are 90 minutes from the Inter-Continental Play-Off in March, where six teams will battle for two World Cup berths.
Nigeria face DR Congo in winner-takes-all play-off final for 2026 World Cup pathway
Nigeria and DR Congo will meet in Sunday’s CAF World Cup play-off final in Rabat, with the winners advancing to March’s FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off and keeping their FIFA World Cup 26™ dream alive.
Kick-off is 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT) at the Stade Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan.
Eric Sékou Chelle’s Super Eagles arrive with momentum after a dramatic 4–1 extra-time win over Gabon.
Nigeria were pegged back late in normal time but finished emphatically, as Chidera Ejuke struck early in extra time before Victor Osimhen sealed it with a ruthless brace, adding to Akor Adams’ opener.
The three-time African champions have now put themselves 90 minutes from the inter-continental shootout that offers Africa’s 10th ticket to 2026.
Opponents DR Congo advanced the hard way, edging Cameroon 1–0 thanks to a stoppage-time finish from captain Chancel Mbemba, who turned in a Cipenga corner after a disciplined defensive display.
Sébastien Desabre’s side kept their shape, relied on Lionel Mpasi’s secure handling, and punished the Indomitable Lions at the death despite André Onana’s earlier saves.
The final sets up an intriguing clash of styles: Nigeria’s direct speed and penalty-box punch, led by Osimhen and supplied by Wilfred Ndidi’s line-breaking passes, against a Leopards unit that has married organisation with timely set-piece threat.
Cedric Bakambu’s experience and Fiston Mayele’s running give DR Congo counters to Nigeria’s high press, while Mbemba’s leadership anchors a back line comfortable absorbing pressure.
With no second chances, detail will decide it: transitions, set-plays, and game management in the Moroccan capital.
The winners move on to the six-team FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off in March — two spots available for the world stage — while the losers see their route to 2026 close.
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
