DR Congo Advances to 2026 World Cup Qualifiers After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Nigeria

DR Congo Advances to 2026 World Cup Qualifiers After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Nigeria

DR Congo Advances to 2026 World Cup Qualifiers After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Nigeria

DR Congo extended their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Nigeria 4-3 in a penalty shootout, following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time in the African play-off final.

Leopards captain Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive penalty after Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi's attempt was saved by Timothy Fayulu in the sixth round of the shootout.

This victory propels the Central African team into a final intercontinental qualifier scheduled for next March.

On the other hand, Nigeria will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive time after a disappointing performance in neutral Rabat.

Frank Onyeka's deflected shot gave the West Africans a promising start in the third minute, but Meschack Elia equalized for the Congolese shortly after the half-hour mark.

Nigeria's attacking prowess diminished after star striker Victor Osimhen was substituted at halftime, allowing DR Congo to dominate possession and appear more likely to secure a winner.

Mbemba nearly clinched the match in added time during extra time, but Nigeria's goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali managed to tip his looping header away from the goal.

A dramatic penalty shootout unfolded amidst pouring rain, with Mbemba, who had scored a stoppage-time winner against Cameroon in Thursday's play-off final, sealing the victory by sending his shot high into the net.

The Congolese players celebrated jubilantly, sprinting the length of the pitch to acknowledge their fans, who now hold onto hopes of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.

More updates to follow.

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