DR Congo secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Cameroon on Thursday, with captain Chancel Mbemba delivering a stoppage-time winner to book the Leopards’ place in the final of Africa’s play-off route to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The decisive moment came when Mbemba drifted free inside the box to turn in Brian Cipenga’s deep corner, stunning the five-time African champions and ending Cameroon’s hopes of reaching next year’s expanded 48-team tournament.
Cagey Contest in Difficult Conditions
With only six spots separating the teams in the FIFA rankings, the semi-final unfolded as a tight battle in rain-soaked Rabat. Clear chances were rare, though Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana kept the Lions level on the hour mark with a sharp low stop from Cedric Bakambu. Moments later, Bryan Mbeumo fired wide, and Karl Etta Eyong missed two late opportunities before DR Congo’s late show sealed the upset.
The defeat confirms Cameroon will miss a World Cup for just the fourth time since their 1982 debut. Their campaign had already shown signs of vulnerability after finishing four points behind Cape Verde in the group phase.
Pressure Mounts on Marc Brys
The loss is likely to intensify scrutiny on head coach Marc Brys, whose appointment by the sports ministry strained relations with Cameroon’s football federation president Samuel Eto’o. A disjointed performance at such a critical stage could jeopardise Brys’ position ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, set to begin on 21 December in Morocco.
DR Congo Aim to Shock Nigeria Next
For DR Congo, the win brings them within touching distance of a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they competed as Zaire. They now face a formidable Nigeria side on Sunday in Rabat after the Super Eagles eased past Gabon 4–1 after extra time in Thursday’s earlier fixture.
Coach Sébastien Desabre will hope his attack—featuring Bakambu, Théo Bongonda, and Fiston Mayele—can threaten an in-form Nigerian side, even with Yoane Wissa still sidelined by injury. DR Congo finished behind Senegal in Group B after a costly collapse against the Teranga Lions in September, but Thursday’s resilience suggests they remain capable of an upset.
The winner of Sunday’s play-off will move into a six-team intercontinental qualifier in March, where the final two berths for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States will be determined.