Chancell Mbemba led the Democratic Republic of Congo to a 1-0 victory over Cameroon, securing their place in the African playoff final for a spot in the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup.
The Leopards’ captain escaped his marker to score from a Bryan Sibinga corner in the first minute of stoppage time, stunning the five-time African champions.
The Indomitable Lions hold the African record for most World Cup appearances, with eight, but will miss out on the expanded 48-team tournament next year.
Cameroon has only missed three World Cups since their debut in 1982, and their failure to qualify for the 2026 finals will increase the pressure on coach Marc Price, who is backed by federation president Samuel Eto’o.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, whose only World Cup appearance was in 1974 when it was known as Zaire, faces a tough challenge from Nigeria, who defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time earlier on Thursday in the Moroccan capital.
The winners of the continental playoff final will advance to a six-team intercontinental playoff in March, which will determine the two teams that qualify for next year’s World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
