Chancel Mbemba scored a late winner on Thursday as DR Congo defeated Cameroon 1-0 to advance to the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
DR Congo will now face Nigeria for a place in the intercontinental qualification tournament.
Mbemba, the DR Congo captain, escaped his marker to turn in Brian Cipenga’s deep corner in the first minute of stoppage time, sealing a dramatic victory over the five-time African champions.
The result eliminates Cameroon from next year’s expanded 48-team World Cup.
The Indomitable Lions, who hold the African record of eight World Cup appearances, struggled throughout a tense semi-final encounter played under heavy rain in Rabat.
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The difficult conditions contributed to a cagey contest between two sides separated by only six places in the world rankings.
Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana made a fine low save to keep out Cedric Bakambu’s shot on the hour mark, before Bryan Mbeumo responded five minutes later by driving an effort narrowly wide.
Karl Etta Eyong then missed two late chances that could have put Cameroon ahead.
DR Congo, whose only previous World Cup appearance was in 1974 when the country competed as Zaire, progressed after Nigeria defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time earlier on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco.
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