Rabat witnessed history as the Democratic Republic of Congo emerged as the winner of the sole slot from Africa for the intercontinental play-off. T
Rabat witnessed history as the Democratic Republic of Congo emerged as the winner of the sole slot from Africa for the intercontinental play-off.
The 2026 FIA World Cup guaranteed Africa nine automatic slots and the opportunity for one of the second-place teams to compete against a nation outside the continent for the 10th one.
Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, and the D.R. Congo were the best second-placed ranked teams scheduled to compete in Morocco.
Nigeria thrashed Gabon while the Democratic Republic of Congo narrowly pipped Cameroon in the semi-finals.
Nigeria and Congo clashed for the sole ticket on Sunday night, with the Central Africans beating the West Africans on penalties.
Nigeria got off to a great start after taking the lead in the 4th minute with Frank Onyeka’s shot deflecting off Mbemba to deceive the helpless Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.
The Leopards of Congo steadily settled into the game and took control, even though Nigeria had the opportunity to double their lead when Atalanta’s Lookman’s cut-back cross was not connected, simply due to miscommunication between two players.
Elia Meshack equalised in the 34th minute for Congo, with Ndidi failing to clear Bakambu’s accurate cross from the right side.
The first half ended 1-1 with both sides realising how tough the battle is.
D.R. Congo was much better in the second half but failed to score the all-important goal.
The introduction of Fiston Mayele, Brian Cipenga and Edo Kayembe in the second half injected much energy, aggression and dynamism into the Leopards of Congo.
After much control and piling of more pressure on the Super Eagles in the extra time, Sebastian Dasebre, the head coach of Congo, accepted that a penalty shootout was going to decide the game, hence made a wonderful change by replacing goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau with Noah’s Timothy Fayulu in the 120th minute.
The game was to be decided by penalties, which became a contest between Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Fayulu.
Nigeria missed their first two with Bassey and Simon fluffing their lines. Congo missed one and scored one in their first two, with Moutousammy missing and Sunderland’s Sadiki putting them ahead.
Adams, Onyamaeche and Ejuke scored Nigeria’s next three which helped them take the lead.
Tuanzebe’s soft effort was caught by Nwabali, with Mayele and Balikwisha scoring to make it 3-3.
In the sudden death, Fayulu saved Ajayi’s effort, leaving Congo needing a successful kick to emerge as the winners.
Skipper Mbemba stepped up and calmly scored to kill Nigeria’s dream. Nigeria will miss their second World Cup since 2018, while Congo will have the opportunity to return to the competition since 1974.
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