DR Congo kept their 2026 World Cup hopes alive with a dramatic 1-0 victory over Cameroon in Thursday’s playoff semifinal at the Al Barid Stadium in Rabat. Captain Chancel Mbemba delivered the decisive moment in the first minute of stoppage time, crushing the Indomitable Lions’ hopes of qualifying for a second straight World Cup.
Cameroon entered the playoffs after an inconsistent qualifying run that saw them finish four points behind Cape Verde in Group D. DR Congo, meanwhile, surged late with consecutive wins to finish just behind Senegal in Group B.
The Leopards showed early control, edging possession and creating the first clear chance when Charles Pickel headed wide in the 12th minute. Cameroon should have struck first, but Karl Etta Eyong fired over from close range after a well-worked free-kick.
Theo Bongonda threatened at the other end, bursting past his marker before blasting over in the 31st minute, and the teams went into the break goalless.
Cameroon gained momentum after half-time as Vincent Aboubakar forced Lionel Mpasi into a save with a long-range strike. Etta Eyong tried again from distance but missed badly, while Cedric Bakambu tested Andre Onana with a sharp effort that was pushed behind.
Cameroon squandered further chances, notably through Bryan Mbeumo and Christian Bassogog, before Aboubakar was denied again by Mpasi in the 87th minute.
That save proved decisive. Deep into stoppage time, DR Congo won a corner, and Mbemba arrived at the near post to steer Brian Cipenga’s delivery into the net, sealing a dramatic and hard-fought win for the Leopards.
