Rabat, Morocco – Chancel Mbemba’s predatory header in stoppage time propelled DR Congo to a dramatic 1-0 upset over Cameroon in the semi-final of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, earning the Leopards a high-voltage final clash with Nigeria on Sunday.
The match at the rain-slicked Al-Barid Stadium was a cagey affair, defined by stout defending and squandered chances, until the former Newcastle United defender rose highest to meet Brian Cipenga’s corner in the 91st minute, looping his effort beyond Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana for a goal that sent Congolese fans into ecstasy and left the five-time African champions shell-shocked. 1 0 Onana, who had earlier denied Cédric Bakambu with a sharp reflex save, could only claw at thin air as the ball kissed the net, ending Cameroon’s hopes of a ninth World Cup appearance.
Under coach Sébastien Desabre, DR Congo—runners-up in Group B behind Senegal—absorbed waves of pressure from Marc Brys’ Indomitable Lions, who had edged Cape Verde for second in Group D but faltered here despite boasting stars like Bryan Mbeumo and Vincent Aboubakar. The Leopards, drawing on their unbeaten streak in recent qualifiers, including a gritty 1-0 win over Sudan, frustrated Cameroon with disciplined midfield work from Gaël Kakuta and Yoane Wissa, while Theo Bongonda’s second-half volley flew just over.
A Gritty Battle Under the Lights
The game kicked off amid pouring rain that turned the pitch treacherous, delaying the start and aiding slippery play. Cameroon dominated possession in the first half, with Mbeumo testing Ivorian-born goalkeeper Lionel Mpumpu early, but DR Congo’s backline, anchored by Christian Luyindula and Rocky Bushiri, held firm. A yellow card to Cameroon’s Nouhou Tolo for a cynical foul on Aaron Wan-Bissaka summed up the hosts’ frustration, as André-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s long-range effort whistled wide.
Post-interval, Brys introduced Aboubakar and Martin Hongla for fresh legs, but it was DR Congo who created the clearer sights—Bakambu spurning a one-on-one, and Bongonda overhitting a cutback. Onana’s athleticism kept the Lions level, tipping Cipenga’s inswinging delivery onto the bar in the dying embers, only for Mbemba to pounce on the rebounding corner. The goal, Mbemba’s first in international football since 2022, extended DR Congo’s head-to-head edge, having won just one of 21 prior meetings but triumphing in both 2015 AFCON qualifiers.
Lineups and Key Battles
DR Congo deployed a compact 4-2-3-1: Mpumpu; Kalulu, Mbemba, Bushiri, Nouhou (wait, no—wait, that’s Cameroon’s; correction: Mpumpu; Kalulu, Mbemba, Bushiri, Kayembe; Pickel, Tshiunza; Bongonda, Kakuta, Wissa; Bakambu. Mbemba, and a Marseille stalwart, was immense, while Meschack Elia provided width.
Cameroon countered in a 4-3-3: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Castelletto, Ngadeu, Nouhou; Anguissa, Baleba (Hongla), Avom; Mbeumo, Eyong (Aboubakar), Nsame. The Brighton winger Mbeumo posed the biggest threat but couldn’t convert, as DR Congo’s switch-eligible newcomers like Michel-Ange Balikwisha waited on the bench.
Super Eagles Await: Stakes Sky-High
This sets up a mouthwatering final against Nigeria, who earlier dismantled Gabon 4-1 in extra time thanks to Victor Osimhen’s brace, avenging a 2018 upset. The Super Eagles, 41st in FIFA rankings to DR Congo’s 60th, hold a historical edge—winning three of five encounters, including 2-0 and 3-0 margins—but the Leopards’ resilience signals a banana skin.
The victor advances to the six-team inter-confederation playoffs in March 2026, hosted in Mexico, for a shot at the expanded 48-team tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. For DR Congo, last at the World Cup as Zaire in 1974, it’s a chance at redemption; for Nigeria, a sixth appearance beckons after topping Group C on goal difference.
Desabre, beaming post-match, hailed his “warriors”: “This is for a nation that dreams big. Nigeria will be tough, but we’re ready to roar.” With Africa’s automatic spots already claimed by powerhouses like Senegal and Morocco, Sunday’s decider (19:00 GMT) promises fireworks under the Moroccan lights.
