DR Congo kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive on Sunday night after defeating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the African play-off final.
Frank Onyeka gave the Super Eagles an early breakthrough in the third minute, but Meschack Elia equalized in the 32nd as the Leopards fought back at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium. After 120 tense minutes, captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick to send DR Congo into next March’s inter-confederation play-off in Mexico. Nigeria’s campaign came to an abrupt end.
The match carried a stark, singular prize: a berth at the six-team tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey, where two World Cup spots will be decided. Nigeria entered the contest buoyed by a 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon, while DR Congo arrived after eliminating Cameroon with Mbemba’s stoppage-time winner. That hard-edged form defined much of the night.
Nigeria opened with intensity, led by striker Victor Osimhen, whose early pressure unsettled the Congolese defense. Onyeka struck from the edge of the box, his shot deflecting off Axel Tuanzebe and wrong-footing goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
DR Congo gradually settled, stretching the field through Theo Bongonda and Cédric Bakambu on the counterattack.
The equalizer came after Wilfred Ndidi was dispossessed in midfield, allowing Elia to break free and slot calmly past Stanley Nwabali. From there, Nigeria sought to raise the tempo through Alex Iwobi and wide play, while DR Congo remained compact and organized, anchored by Mbemba and fullback Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Osimhen threatened twice after the break—one header drifting wide and another effort stopped by Mpasi while Bakambu forced Nwabali into a save from distance. As extra time wore on, chances thinned amid fatigue and caution on both sides.
The penalty shootout delivered the final drama. After early conversions from both teams, Nigeria faltered. DR Congo held firm, and Mbemba stepped up to drive home the winning kick, prompting jubilant celebrations from head coach Sébastien Desabre’s squad.
For DR Congo, who last appeared at a World Cup in 1974 when competing as Zaire, the victory marks another step in a disciplined qualifying campaign built on defensive structure and timely moments of brilliance. They advance to the inter-confederation play-off scheduled for March 23–31, 2026.
Nigeria, seeking a seventh World Cup appearance, will reflect on a fast start that failed to translate into control and on missed chances before and after Elia’s equaliser. Their run ends despite long stretches of territorial dominance and a spirited, attacking display.
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