🇨🇩 DR Congo make history, secure spot in World Cup play-offs | OneFootball

African football has seen it all. But the Moroccan night of this showdown between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo is set to join the shelf of great stories that only football can tell.

This was a single match to decide Africa's spot in the global playoff for the 2026 World Cup.

After a 1-1 draw in regular time plus extra time, the Democratic Republic of Congo made history by winning on penalties, 4-3.

With the brilliance of the goalkeeper who came on just for the "moment of truth."

The dream of returning to a World Cup lives on – see more below.

Their only World Cup appearance was in 1974, when they were still called Zaire. And they even faced the Brazilian national team.

They had already eliminated Cameroon before dispatching another giant of the continent. And they go strong into the playoffs.

Overflowing with Emotion

Favorites and star-studded, Nigeria opened the scoring just three minutes in, when Onyeka took advantage of a rebound and benefited from a deflection by Tuanzebe. But this single match had other plans. In the 32nd minute, Bakambu crossed from the right, Ndidi got tangled up trying to clear and “served” Elia, who equalized for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The 1-1 scoreline held up against time, chances from both sides, and even two Congolese goals that were disallowed for attacking fouls. The match grew heavier, more dramatic, until everything was pushed into extra time – and then, to penalties.

That’s when the unlikely hero emerged: Fayulu, the backup goalkeeper, who came on in the last minute just for the shootout. And he made history. He saved shots from Simon and Ajayi, and even saw Bassey sky Nigeria’s first attempt.

Who remembers Tim Krul doing the same to send the Netherlands through against Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup?

On the other side, Nwabali shone by saving shots from Moutoussamy and Tuanzebe, but it wasn't enough. DR Congo won 4-3.

Captain Mbemba converted the biggest penalty of his career to seal the celebration.

The “underdog” toppled Osimhen, Lookman, Chukwueze & Co. And secured their ticket to the playoffs.

Now, DR Congo joins Bolivia and New Caledonia, already qualified for the global playoff.

Asia will still send its representative after the return leg between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates – 1-1 in the first leg.

The other two spots will go to the best runners-up from the final round of Concacaf. These will be decided on Tuesday (18th).

The two highest-ranked teams will already be in the playoff finals. Which will award the last two tickets to the World Cup.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is ranked 60th and awaits the other qualifiers to find out if it will (or will not) be one of the two finalists.

Photo: Reproduction/CAF

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.