\n<\/p>\n
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.<\/b><\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Mbeumo’s team-mate Karl Etta Eyong was also unable to convert two late chances before Mbemba’s dramatic intervention.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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