GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after a dramatic penalty shootout victory on Sunday, booking a place in the intercontinental playoffs.
Nigeria started strongly and took the lead through Frank Onyeka’s deflected strike, but DR Congo equalised before halftime when Meschack Elia finished from close range. The second half saw fewer chances, especially after Victor Osimhen’s halftime withdrawal, which weakened Nigeria’s attack. With neither side risking a late push, the match headed into penalties.
The shootout began poorly for Nigeria as Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their attempts. DR Congo also slipped when Axel Tuanzebe fired wide, sending the contest into sudden death. Semi Ajayi’s penalty was saved, handing the decisive kick to captain Chancel Mbemba. The 37-year-old blasted his effort into the roof of the net to seal Congo’s place in the final qualifying tournament.
The result capped a remarkable week for Mbemba, who had earlier scored a 91st-minute winner to eliminate Cameroon on his 100th international appearance.
DR Congo will now join Bolivia, New Caledonia, and teams from Asia and Concacaf in a six-team intercontinental playoff for the final two World Cup slots. A successful run would mark their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
