Late goal from DR Congo eliminates Cameroon from World Cup contention
A late goal from Chancel Mbemba gave DR Congo a 1-0 win over Cameroon and secured their place in the African play-offs final for the 2026 World Cup.
The DR Congo captain made a decisive run to score from Brian Cipenga’s corner in the final seconds. The goal ended the hopes of Cameroon, the five-time African champions.
Cameroon hold the record for the most World Cup appearances from Africa with eight, but they will not be part of the expanded 48-team tournament next year.
The semi-final match was tense and played in heavy rain in Rabat. The two teams were only six places apart in the global rankings.
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana made a key save to stop a shot from Cedric Bakambu in the 60th minute. Soon after, Bryan Mbeumo went close for the Indomitable Lions.
Karl Etta Eyong had two late chances for Cameroon but did not score before Mbemba’s decisive goal.
DR Congo, who last played in the World Cup under the name Zaire in 1974, will now face Nigeria. Nigeria won 4-1 after extra time against Gabon earlier in the day.
The winner of the continental play-off will move into a six-team intercontinental qualifying event in March. It will decide the last two spots for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
