DR Congo kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout win over Nigeria in Rabat on Sunday night, following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the African play-off final.
The Super Eagles took an early lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka, but Meschack Elia equalised for the Leopards in the 32nd minute. After 120 tense minutes, DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty, sending his side to the inter-confederation play-off in Mexico next March, while Nigeria’s World Cup hopes came to an end.
The match, held at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, carried a single, high-stakes prize: a spot in the six-team play-off tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey, where two World Cup berths will be decided.
Nigeria entered the final on the back of a 4-1 extra-time win over Gabon, while DR Congo had eliminated Cameroon with a stoppage-time strike from Mbemba. The early exchanges reflected both teams’ high stakes, with Nigeria starting on the front foot. Victor Osimhen pressured the DR Congo defence before Onyeka’s shot from the edge of the box, deflected off Axel Tuanzebe, beat goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.
DR Congo recovered and grew into the game. Theo Bongonda and Cédric Bakambu stretched the pitch on the counterattack, and Elia capitalised on a Wilfred Ndidi turnover to slot home the equaliser just after the half hour mark.
The second half saw Nigeria pressing for a winner through Alex Iwobi and their wide players, while DR Congo remained disciplined and dangerous on the break, marshalled by Mbemba and the impressive Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Osimhen went close twice after the interval, including a header that drifted wide, while Bakambu tested Stanley Nwabali from distance. Extra time saw fewer chances as fatigue and caution took hold.
The shootout delivered its own drama. After early successful penalties from both sides, Nigeria faltered. DR Congo held their nerve, and Mbemba’s confident strike secured victory, sparking jubilant celebrations.
This result marks a milestone for DR Congo, who last appeared at a World Cup in 1974 as Zaire. Their resolute campaign, built on defensive organisation and clutch moments, now continues in the inter-confederation play-off from 23
