DR Congo come back from a goal down to beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in the African playoffs final for the FIFA World Cup 2026 staged in Morocco on Sunday 17th November 2025.
The win sees the Congolese qualify for the intercontinental playoffs set in March 2026 with the loss seeing Nigeria miss the World Cup for the second successive time for the first time in their history.
Also Read: Sportpes League: AFC Leopards held by Murang’a Seal
Frank Onyeka put Nigeria 1-0 up after just three minutes at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, but DR Congo regrouped and Elia grabbed an equaliser in for the Congolese in the 32nd minute.
Nigeria’s attacking threat evaporated after star striker Victor Osimhen was substituted at half-time, with DR Congo dominating possession and looking the more likely side to find a winner.
Mbema almost won it in added time in extra time, but Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali clawed away his looping header from just inside the right-hand upright.
A dramatic shootout unfolded in the driving rain and Mbemba – who netted the stoppage-time winner in Thursday’s play-off final against Cameroon – settled it as he guided his effort high into the net. The Congolese ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of their fans, who can still dream of a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country was called Zaire.
Also Read: FIFA step up efforts against online abuse
