Overview:
With DR Congo currently ranked 60th in the world, they could face two more games in their quest to reach the finals - and they will discover their fate when the draw is made on Thursday.
Results
- Nigeria 1(3)-1(4) DR Congo
DR Congo kept their hopes of reaching the 2026 Fifa World Cup alive after beating Nigeria 4-3 on penalties in Rabat, Morocco in the African play off final.
The Super Eagles started well with Frank Onyeka scoring to give them a third minute lead but Elia Meschack levelled matters in the 32nd minute.
Onyeka got at the end of a loose clearance from Arthur Masuaku and his attempt got a slight deflection from Axel Tuanzebe.
For Meshack, he slotted home after Wilfried Ndidi failed to deal with a low cross from Cedric Bakambu down the left.
There were no more goals in the game as the two teams remained tied on 1-1 with the Leopards were the dominant side overall.
With Nigeria Starman Victor Osimhen getting off injured at halftime, Eric Chelle’s men remained toothless up front but defended resolutely.
In the shootout is where the most drama showed with both side missing their first kicks as only one was converted in the first four attempts.
Chancel Mbemba, the hero in the semi-final against Cameroon sent the Leopards into wild celebrations converting the winner after substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu saved Semi Ajayi attempt in the sudden death.
Aiming to play at the world cup for the first time since 1974, Sebastien Desabre’s men now advance to the Intercontinental play off that will be staged in Mexico in March 23-32 2026.
Already, Bolivia and New Caledonia have been confirmed to be part with the winner of the second leg of the Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates and the best two third-ranked finishers from the third round of Concacaf qualifying will complete the field.
With DR Congo currently ranked 60th in the world, they could face two more games in their quest to reach the finals – and they will discover their fate when the draw is made on Thursday.
