DR Congo Advances to World Cup Playoff Final with Win Over Cameroon
Chancel Mbemba emerged as the hero for DR Congo, scoring a late winner to secure a 1-0 victory over Cameroon and advance to the final of the African playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The captain of the Leopards made a decisive move, eluding his defender to convert a deep corner from Brian Cipenga in the first minute of stoppage time, stunning the five-time continental champions.
Cameroon, which holds the African record for the most World Cup appearances with eight, will not participate in the expanded 48-team tournament next year.
The semi-final match was tightly contested, with only six places separating the two teams in the world rankings. Heavy rainfall further complicated the playing conditions in neutral Rabat.
Cameroonian goalkeeper Andre Onana delivered an impressive low save to deny Cedric Bakambu in the 60th minute, while Bryan Mbeumo narrowly missed the target five minutes later for the Indomitable Lions.
Teammate Karl Etta Eyong also failed to capitalize on two late opportunities before Mbemba's dramatic late intervention.
DR Congo, which last appeared in the World Cup in 1974 when it was known as Zaire, will now face Nigeria, who triumphed over Gabon 4-1 after extra time earlier on Thursday in the Moroccan capital.
The winner of the continental playoff final will advance to a six-team intercontinental qualifier scheduled for March, which will determine the final two nations to compete in next year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
More updates to follow.
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