DR Congo Stuns Nigeria in Penalty Shootout to Secure African World Cup Playoff Spot.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo edged Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time, securing their spot in the inter-confederation playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The thrilling match in Morocco marked a surprise upset, as Nigeria was considered one of the favorites to advance.
The match began with Nigeria's Frank Onyeka scoring a goal within nine minutes after a deflected effort by Axel Tuanzebe. However, the Congolese equalized midway through the first half when Meschack Elia capitalized on a counter-attack set up by Cedric Bakambu. The score remained 1-1 at halftime.
Both teams employed cautious tactics in the second half, with DR Congo pushing for an advantage but unable to break down Nigeria's defense. In extra time, Nigeria came close to winning when Tolu Arokodare's header sailed over the crossbar. Conversely, DR Congo goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu made crucial saves in the shootout that ultimately decided the match.
The decisive moment came when DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba converted the winning penalty in the shootout, sending the Congolese into raptures. Nigeria's exhaustion appeared to have told as they succumbed to fatigue despite being considered one of the top contenders for World Cup qualification.
With this victory, DR Congo advances to the inter-confederation playoffs where six teams will compete for two places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team now awaits their draw in March and will need to continue their momentum to secure a spot at their first-ever World Cup since 1974.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo edged Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time, securing their spot in the inter-confederation playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The thrilling match in Morocco marked a surprise upset, as Nigeria was considered one of the favorites to advance.
The match began with Nigeria's Frank Onyeka scoring a goal within nine minutes after a deflected effort by Axel Tuanzebe. However, the Congolese equalized midway through the first half when Meschack Elia capitalized on a counter-attack set up by Cedric Bakambu. The score remained 1-1 at halftime.
Both teams employed cautious tactics in the second half, with DR Congo pushing for an advantage but unable to break down Nigeria's defense. In extra time, Nigeria came close to winning when Tolu Arokodare's header sailed over the crossbar. Conversely, DR Congo goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu made crucial saves in the shootout that ultimately decided the match.
The decisive moment came when DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba converted the winning penalty in the shootout, sending the Congolese into raptures. Nigeria's exhaustion appeared to have told as they succumbed to fatigue despite being considered one of the top contenders for World Cup qualification.
With this victory, DR Congo advances to the inter-confederation playoffs where six teams will compete for two places at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team now awaits their draw in March and will need to continue their momentum to secure a spot at their first-ever World Cup since 1974.
just watched that DR Congo vs Nigeria match and I'm SHOOK! didn't think Congolese had it in them, but they played so smartly under pressure... love how Chancel Mbemba sealed the deal with that penalty 
TBH I was on edge during the shootout, thought Nigeria was gonna pull it off too 
. Exhaustion really got to them in the end 
can't wait for DR Congo's next match, hoping they keep this momentum going 
and btw, what a massive upset! Nigeria considered one of the favorites, but Congolese proved they're not to be underestimated 
what a crazy match! I'm so glad the underdog DR Congo pulled off that epic upset 
Their team cohesion and strategy really paid off in the end 
And can we talk about Timothy Fayulu's insane saves during the shootout? 
i mean who would have thought they'd be the ones advancing instead of nigeria? that penalty shootout was insane too 
. Congo's got some momentum going on now, let's see how far they can take this 
️!
they were all hyped up, but DR Congo played like they didn't wanna lose lol. and those penalty shootout skills? 
Congolese players are on fire! I'm not saying Nigeria didn't deserve a chance, but maybe they got too confident? 
DR Congo's World Cup dreams might just come true after all 
. It's great that DR Congo will get to play in the inter-confederation playoffs and show the world what they're made of! 
. The Congolese fans must be going wild right now 
Timothy Fayulu made some incredible saves, he's a total hero now 
. But Congolese fans are going wild and rightfully so, this is an amazing achievement 
. Now they get to play against other top teams in the playoffs, let's see what they can do 
. DR Congo played such great defense and made some crucial saves to keep them from winning it all in extra time 
I'm loving the underdog story here, Congo is going for their first-ever World Cup spot and they're making history!