In a dramatic conclusion to the African World Cup qualifiers, Congo overcame Nigeria in a tense penalty shootout to secure a spot in the intercontinental playoffs. The match, held Sunday night in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1-1 after extra time, sending the two sides to penalties.
Nigeria took an early lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka, but Congo’s Mechak Elia equalized in the 32nd minute, setting the stage for a thrilling finale. Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who has been the UEFA Champions League’s top scorer this season, was substituted at halftime.
The shootout was tightly contested, with Congo eventually prevailing 4-3. Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive penalty, continuing his remarkable run after netting the winning goal in added time against Cameroon in Congo’s 1-0 victory on Thursday, which earned them a place in this final playoff.
Congo now joins the six-team intercontinental playoff tournament in March, where two teams will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
