The DR Congo Leopards will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the final of the 2026 World Cup Africa playoff in Morocco on Sunday.
DR Congo secured their spot by defeating Cameroon 1-0 in the second semi-final at Stade El Barid in Rabat, courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from captain Chancel Mbemba.
Mbemba evaded his marker to head in a Brian Cipenga corner in the first minute of added time, stunning the five-time African champions.
Cameroon, who hold the African record with eight World Cup appearances, will miss out on next year’s expanded 48-team tournament after losing their automatic spot in the playoffs to Cape Verde, who will make their debut at the Mundial.
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Earlier, Nigeria beat Gabon 4-1 after extra time at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat to advance into the final.
Akor Adams had put the Super Eagles 1-0 up in the 78th minute of regular time, but they were pegged back with just a minute left on the clock through Mario Lemina’s deflected shot.
Chidera Ejuke put Nigeria back in front in extra time with his first goal for the Super Eagles, before Victor Osimhen added a brace to secure Nigeria’s place in Sunday’s final.
The winner of the continental playoff final will advance to a six-team intercontinental qualifier in Mexico by March 2026, which will decide the final two spots for next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
