In a meeting which kept all its promises, the DR Congo validated its ticket for the intercontinental play-offs of the 2026 World Cup. In Rabat, in an electric atmosphere and under a continuous deluge, the Leopards dominated Nigeria at the end of a match of rare intensity, concluded by a breathtaking penalty shootout. After 120 heated minutes where the two teams failed to decide between themselves (1-1), the Congolese selection finally snatched qualification (4 shots on goal to 3), extending a world dream which dates back to 1974, during the Zaire era.
A breathtaking penalty shootout
The match, however, started very badly for Sébastien Desabre’s men. From the 3rd minute, Onyeka opened the scoring for Nigeria and cooled the Congolese momentum. But DR Congo reacted with character, equalizing on the half-hour mark thanks to Elia after a well-executed action. The rest of the match confirmed the trend: the Congolese were the most incisive, the most enterprising and the most dangerous. Eight shots on target compared to only two for the Nigeriens, better controlled possession and constant forward projection ended up wearing out an opponent too dependent on transitions.
The penalty shootout was like the match: contested, indecisive, heroic. The two goalkeepers made numerous saves, but the DR Congo goalkeeper was decisive by only conceding three of the six attempts. The last word went to Chancel Mbemba, an exemplary captain, who converted the final shot with admirable composure, sending an entire nation towards a new challenge next March.
The disillusionment of a Nigeria still eliminated
For Nigeria, the disappointment is immense. Already absent from the 2022 World Cup, the West African giant will miss the biggest competition in world football for the second time in a row. After eliminating Gabon in the first play-off, the Super Eagles thought they had launched their reconquest operation. But the DRC, also victorious over Cameroon in the previous round, was more constant, more determined and more coherent.
However, DR Congo has not yet validated its ticket. He will have to take the final step: an intercontinental barrier where the level will rise another notch. But given the resilience displayed throughout the campaign, the Leopards have every reason to believe in their star.
