Chancel Mbemba delivered a stunning stoppage-time winner as the Democratic Republic of Congo sealed a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Cameroon, booking their place in the final stage of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Leopards’ captain broke free inside the area to connect with Brian Cipenga’s deep corner in the opening minute of added time, leaving the Indomitable Lions stunned and propelling DR Congo into Sunday’s decisive showdown in Rabat.
The loss abruptly ended Cameroon’s push for a ninth World Cup appearance. Africa’s most experienced World Cup campaigners will miss the 2026 edition, despite the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.
With only six places separating the sides in the FIFA rankings, the semi-final was always expected to be tight. Heavy rainfall at the Moroccan neutral venue made the contest even more difficult, contributing to the tense and evenly matched rhythm of the game.
Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana produced an impressive low stop to deny Cédric Bakambu shortly after the hour mark, while Bryan Mbeumo threatened for the Lions moments later.
Mbeumo’s strike partner, Karl Etta Eyong, wasted two late chances that could have changed the outcome before Mbemba’s well-timed run and clinical finish ultimately settled the game.
For DR Congo, the result keeps alive their ambition of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when they featured under the name Zaire. They will now face Nigeria, who defeated Gabon 4–1 after extra time earlier on Thursday, in a winner-takes-all clash for a place in the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March.
The victor of that round will advance to compete for one of the last two available spots at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
What You Should Know
DR Congo’s dramatic win over Cameroon has positioned the Leopards one step away from a potential World Cup return for the first time in over five decades.
Chancel Mbemba, the team’s long-serving captain, delivered the crucial blow in stoppage time, ending Cameroon’s pursuit of a ninth appearance at football’s biggest event. The upcoming clash with Nigeria will determine which nation advances to the six-team intercontinental playoffs in March.
Only two countries from that final round will reach the 2026 World Cup, making the Nigeria–DR Congo fixture one of the most consequential African qualifiers of this campaign.
