Chancel Mbemba delivered a dramatic stoppage-time winner as DR Congo edged Cameroon 1-0 to book a place in the African play-off final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will meet Nigeria.
The Leopards’ skipper slipped away from his marker to steer in Brian Cipenga’s looping corner in the first minute of added time, stunning the five-time African champions.
Despite holding the continent’s record for World Cup appearances, eight in total, the Indomitable Lions will miss out on next year’s expanded 48-team tournament.
Only six places separated both sides in the FIFA rankings, and the match reflected that closeness. Played under heavy rain in neutral Rabat, the semi-final was tense, physical, and short on clear-cut chances.
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana produced an excellent low stop to deny Cedric Bakambu around the hour mark. Moments later, Bryan Mbeumo fired just wide as the Indomitable Lions pushed forward.
Late opportunities also fell to Karl Etta Eyong, but he failed to convert either chance before Mbemba struck the decisive blow.
DR Congo, who last featured at a World Cup in 1974 when the nation competed as Zaire, will now face Nigeria—4-1 winners over Gabon after extra time in Thursday’s earlier fixture in Rabat.
The winner of the continental play-off will advance to a six-team intercontinental event in March, which will determine the final two qualifiers for next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
