Playoff: Congo sink Cameroon, set up final clash with Nigeria

DR Congo have booked a heavyweight showdown with Nigeria after edging Cameroon 1-0 in a tense CAF World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final on Thursday.

The game, packed with midfield battles and few clear-cut chances, looked destined for a stalemate until skipper Chancel Mbemba broke the deadlock late in the second half. The veteran defender reacted quickest in the box, smashing in the decisive goal that sent the Leopards into the final.

Cameroon mounted late pressure in search of an equaliser, but DR Congo held their ground with stubborn defending and mature game management to protect their slim lead.

The result means DR Congo will now face the Super Eagles in the final stage of the CAF play-offs — a winner-takes-all clash that will decide who advances to the inter-confederation play-offs for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.