DR Congo advanced in their quest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 tie that extended to extra time in the African playoff final.

The captain of the Leopards, Chancel Mbemba, converted the decisive penalty kick after Timothy Fayulu saved a shot taken by Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi during the sixth round of the shootout.

This win propels the Central African team into a final intercontinental qualifier scheduled for March.

On the other hand, Nigeria finds itself out of the World Cup for a second consecutive time after a disappointing display in neutral Rabat.

Nigeria initially took the lead with a deflected effort from Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but Meschack Elia quickly equalized for DR Congo just before the half-hour mark.

After the pivotal substitution of star forward Victor Osimhen at halftime, Nigeria’s offensive momentum faded, allowing DR Congo to dominate possession and press for a winning goal.

In a critical moment during extra time, Mbemba nearly clinched the match, but Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali managed to tip his towering header away from the goal.

The shootout unfolded amidst pouring rain, with Mbemba – who scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner in the previous playoff match against Cameroon – sealing the victory by sending his shot high into the net.

The Congolese players jubilantly sprinted across the field to celebrate with their supporters, who hold onto hopes of attending the World Cup for the first time since 1974.

More updates to come.