DR Congo have taken a major step toward their World Cup dream after grinding out a hard-fought 1–0 win over Cameroon on Thursday, securing their place in the final round of the CAF World Cup qualifying play-offs.
The match, played with high intensity and real determination from both sides, remained cagey for most of the evening. Cameroon and DR Congo each carved out half-chances, but neither side could find the cutting edge needed to make an early breakthrough.
The deadlock was finally broken late in the second half, thanks to a moment of alertness and experience from Chancel Mbemba. The DR Congo captain reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the Cameroonian penalty area and drove home a clinical finish, sending Leopards fans into wild celebration.
Cameroon, stunned but not discouraged, mounted a late push in search of an equaliser. They pressed high, sent numbers forward and put DR Congo under sustained pressure in the closing minutes. But Sebastien Desabre’s men showed remarkable discipline, closing down spaces, staying compact, and defending with composure until the final whistle.
The victory now sets up a mouthwatering final playoff clash between DR Congo and Nigeria, a fixture that promises intensity, rivalry and high drama. The winner of that encounter will move on to the inter-confederation play-offs, where one last hurdle stands between them and qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For DR Congo, the momentum is building. For Nigeria, the challenge is clear and for African football fans, it is an exciting showdown
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