Late DR Congo winner ends Cameroon's World Cup bid

Andre Onana and his Cameroon team-mates will be absent from the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada

Chancel Mbemba was the hero with the late winner as DR Congo beat Cameroon 1-0 to set up a meeting with Nigeria in the final of African play-offs for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

The Leopards captain ghosted away from his marker to convert Brian Cipenga's deep corner in the first minute of stoppage time and upset the five-time continental champions.

The Indomitable Lions hold the African record for the most appearances at the World Cup, with eight overall, but will be missing from the expanded 48-team tournament next year.

With just six places separating the sides in the world rankings, the semi-final tie proved to be a cagey affair as heavy rain made conditions difficult in neutral Rabat.

Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana pulled off a fine low save to deny Cedric Bakambu on the hour mark, and five minutes later Bryan Mbeumo shot narrowly wide for the Indomitable Lions.

Mbeumo's team-mate Karl Etta Eyong was also unable to convert two late chances before Mbemba's dramatic intervention.

DR Congo, whose sole World Cup appearance came in 1974 when the country was called Zaire, now face a showdown with Nigeria, who beat Gabon 4-1 after extra time earlier on Thursday in the Moroccan capital.

The winners of the continental play-off final will progress to a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be held in March and will determine the final two nations at next year's World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Pressure on Brys after defeat

Marc Brys took charge of Cameroon in April last year

Cameroon had only missed three editions of the World Cup since making their debut in 1982, and their failure to reach the 2026 finals will increase the pressure on boss Marc Brys.

They missed out on top spot in Group D, finishing four points behind first-time qualifiers Cape Verde, following an underwhelming campaign in which the Central Africans won just one of their five away games.

Brys' position has been a long-standing bone of contention for Cameroon football federation president Samuel Eto'o - with the decision to appoint the Belgian last year taken by the country's sports ministry against the wishes of the former Barcelona and Inter Milan striker.

Another disjointed performance - and hugely damaging result - could spell the end of the 63-year-old's time in charge before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco on 21 December.

DR Congo, meanwhile, will look to plot an upset against an in-form Nigeria side in the kingdom's capital on Sunday.

Sebastien Desabre's men finished two points behind Senegal in Group B after paying the price for letting a 2-0 lead slip against the Teranga Lions on home soil in September, eventually losing 3-2.

Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa is still injured, but a lively frontline which includes Bakambu, Theo Bongonda and Fiston Mayele could provide a stern challenge for the Super Eagles backline.