DR Congo secured a narrow 1‑0 victory over Cameroon in the African World Cup playoff semi‑final, ending Cameroon’s hopes for the 2026 tournament. The decisive moment came in the 91st minute when captain Chancel Mbemba headed home Brian Cipenga’s corner, giving the Leopards a late win at Rabat’s rain‑soaked Al‑Barid Stadium.
The match was a tightly contested affair with few clear chances; Cameroon’s goalkeeper André Onana made a crucial low save to deny Cedric Bakambu, while Bryan Mbeumo and Karl Etta Eyong missed late opportunities that could have altered the result.
The triumph advances DR Congo to the CAF playoff final, where they will face Nigeria on Sunday. DR Congo, which last appeared at a World Cup in 1974 as Zaire, is now one win away from returning to the global stage after a 52‑year absence.
Nigeria earned its place in the final by defeating Gabon 4‑1 after extra time, setting up a high‑stakes showdown that will determine the sole African team to secure a direct spot in the inter‑confederation playoff in March 2026.
The result also puts pressure on Cameroon’s head coach Marc Brys, whose side finished with two wins from five qualifiers and fell short of expectations.
In contrast, DR Congo’s success highlights the defensive resilience and tactical discipline instilled by their Belgian coach, who kept the Leopards compact and capitalized on a single moment of brilliance.
The upcoming final in Rabat will not only decide which nation advances to the six‑team inter‑continental playoff but also provide a compelling narrative of an underdog seizing its moment on the African stage.
