WCQ playoff: Congo DR beats Cameroon to set up final against Nigeria

Chancel Mbemba was the hero with a late winner as DR Congo beat Cameroon 1-0 to set up a meeting with Nigeria in the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Leopards captain ghosted away from his marker to convert Brian Cipenga’s deep corner in the first minute of stoppage time, upsetting the five-time continental champions.

The Indomitable Lions hold the African record for the most appearances at the World Cup, with eight overall, but will be missing from the expanded 48-team tournament next year.

With just six places separating the sides in the world rankings, the semi-final tie proved to be a cagey affair as heavy rain made conditions difficult in neutral Rabat.

Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana pulled off a fine low save to deny Cédric Bakambu on the hour mark, and five minutes later, Bryan Mbeumo shot narrowly wide for the Indomitable Lions.

Mbeumo’s teammate Karl-Etta Eyong was also unable to convert two late chances before Mbemba’s dramatic intervention.

DR Congo, whose sole World Cup appearance came in 1974 when the country was called Zaire, now face a showdown with Nigeria, who beat Gabon 4-1 after extra time earlier on Thursday in the Moroccan capital.

The winners of the continental playoff final will progress to a six-team intercontinental qualifier, scheduled for March, which will determine the final two nations at next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.