Chancel Mbemba scored a late winner on Thursday as DR Congo defeated Cameroon 1-0 to advance to the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Leopards will now face Nigeria for a place in the intercontinental qualification tournament.
Mbemba, the DR Congo captain, escaped his marker to turn in Brian Cipenga’s deep corner in the first minute of stoppage time, sealing a dramatic victory over the five-time African champions.
The result eliminates Cameroon from next year’s expanded 48-team World Cup.
The Indomitable Lions, who hold the African record of eight World Cup appearances, struggled throughout a tense semi-final encounter played under heavy rain in neutral Rabat.
The difficult conditions contributed to a cagey contest between two sides separated by only six places in the world rankings.
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana made a fine low save to keep out Cedric Bakambu’s shot on the hour mark, before Bryan Mbeumo responded five minutes later by driving an effort narrowly wide.
Karl Etta Eyong then missed two late chances that could have put Cameroon ahead.
DR Congo, whose only previous World Cup appearance was in 1974 when the country competed as Zaire, progressed after Nigeria defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time earlier on Thursday in the Moroccan capital.
The play-off final will determine which team qualifies for the six-nation intercontinental tournament scheduled for March.
Cameroon’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup increases pressure on head coach Marc Brys.
The Central Africans finished four points behind first-time qualifiers Cape Verde in Group D, winning only one of their five away matches during an inconsistent campaign.
Brys’ appointment has long been a point of friction between the sports ministry and Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o.
The Belgian coach, appointed in 2024 against Eto’o’s wishes, now faces further scrutiny after another disappointing performance and damaging result ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, which begins on Dec. 21.
DR Congo, meanwhile, will attempt to upset an in-form Nigeria side in Rabat on Sunday.
Sebastien Desabre’s squad finished two points behind Senegal in Group B after surrendering a 2-0 lead in a 3-2 home loss to the Teranga Lions in September.
Although Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa remains sidelined by injury, DR Congo can still rely on a dynamic attack featuring Bakambu, Theo Bongonda and Fiston Mayele. Their combination is expected to offer a serious test for the Super Eagles’ defence.
