Late DR Congo winner ends Cameroon's World Cup bid

Chancel Mbemba was the hero with the late winner as DR Congo beat Cameroon 1-0 to set up a meeting with Nigeria in the final of African play-offs for the 2026 Fifa World Cup

The Leopards captain ghosted away from his marker to convert Brian Cipenga's deep corner in the first minute of stoppage time and upset the five-time continental champions. The Indomitable Lions hold the African record for the most appearances at the World Cup, with eight overall, but will be missing from the expanded 48-team tournament next year.

With just six places separating the sides in the world rankings, the semi-final tie proved to be a cagey affair as heavy rain made conditions difficult in neutral Rabat. Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana pulled off a fine low save to deny Cedric Bakambu on the hour mark, and five minutes later Bryan Mbeumo shot narrowly wide for the Indomitable Lions. Mbeumo's team-mate Karl Etta Eyong was also unable to convert two late chances before Mbemba's dramatic intervention.

DR Congo, whose sole World Cup appearance came in 1974 when the country was called Zaire, now face a showdown with Nigeria, who beat Gabon 4-1 after extra time earlier on Thursday in the Moroccan capital.

The winners of the continental play-off final will progress to a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be held in March and will determine the final two nations at next year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.