Mbemba’s stoppage-time winner sends DR Congo to play-off final

DR Congo edged Cameroon in Rabat on Thursday night to reach the CAF World Cup qualifying play-off final, Chancel Mbemba striking deep into stoppage time to seal a 1–0 victory and end the Indomitable Lions’ campaign. 

Sébastien Desabre’s side will face Nigeria in Sunday’s final (20:00 local time) for a place in the FIFA Inter-Continental Play-Off and a potential route to the 2026 World Cup.

The decisive moment arrived at the death when Marseille defender Mbemba peeled to the back post and turned in a Cipenga corner, sparking wild celebrations from the Leopards’ bench and leaving André Onana—excellent to that point—beaten for the first and only time.

Cameroon had created the clearer openings before the late twist. Bryan Mbeumo spurned the best of them on 65 minutes, shooting off target when clean through on Lionel Mpasi.

In the closing stages, Etta Eyong and Nicolas Ngamaleu also failed to convert half-chances as DR Congo kept their shape and trust in set-piece moments.

DR Congo’s approach was built on discipline and flashes of power up front. Cedric Bakambu’s hold-up play asked questions of the Lions’ centre-backs before Fiston Mayele’s introduction added fresh running in behind.

Behind them, Mpasi’s handling under pressure was assured, while a compact back line limited Cameroon largely to efforts they could see.

Onana’s saves looked set to drag the game towards extra time—twice denying Bakambu and clawing away a late effort from Mayele—until Mbemba’s late intervention settled a cagey tie decided by detail and concentration.

Defeat confirms Cameroon’s elimination at the semi-final stage, a painful ending after they had defended stoutly for long periods.

DR Congo, meanwhile, are 90 minutes from the Inter-Continental Play-Off in March, where six teams will battle for two World Cup berths.