A last-minute goal from captain Chancel Mbemba secured a 1-0 victory for the Democratic Republic of Congo against Cameroon. Mbemba scored from a Brian Cipenga corner during stoppage time, advancing his team to the final of the African World Cup qualifying play-offs.
The match, played in heavy rain in Rabat, was a closely contested affair. Cameroon, which holds the African record for World Cup appearances, failed to capitalize on its opportunities, including late chances from Karl Etta Eyong.
The DR Congo will now face Nigeria for a place in the intercontinental playoffs. The winner of that final will progress to a six-team tournament next March, competing for one of the two remaining spots in the upcoming World Cup. The DR Congo's only previous World Cup participation was in 1974 as Zaire.
The match, played in heavy rain in Rabat, was a closely contested affair. Cameroon, which holds the African record for World Cup appearances, failed to capitalize on its opportunities, including late chances from Karl Etta Eyong.
The DR Congo will now face Nigeria for a place in the intercontinental playoffs. The winner of that final will progress to a six-team tournament next March, competing for one of the two remaining spots in the upcoming World Cup. The DR Congo's only previous World Cup participation was in 1974 as Zaire.
