DR Congo upset Nigeria to keep their World Cup dream alive

Democratic Republic of Congo ended Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a penalty shootout victory in the African playoffs final on Sunday.

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DR Congo and Nigeria drew 1-1 after extra time in the tie in Rabat and the central Africans won 4-3 on penalties to book a place in inter-confederation playoffs in Mexico next March.

In a nerve-riddled shootout in which four spot-kicks were saved and another missed, DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba defied a bottle thrown towards him and torrential rain to convert the winning penalty as his country seek a return to the global showpiece after a lengthy absence.

Two of the saves were made by substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, who replaced Lionel M’Pasi in the final minute of extra time.

DR Congo was called Zaire when the country qualified for the only time in 1974. It was not a happy debut as they failed to score, and conceded 14 goals, including nine against Yugoslavia.