DR Congo’s Leopards aren’t giving up their World Cup dream anytime soon. On a charged night in Rabat, captain Chancel Mbemba delivered a stoppage-time winner that stunned Cameroon and sent Congolese fans into full celebration mode online.
It was the kind of finish that football loves: tense, frustrating, nerve-shredding, and then suddenly explosive.
A Tense Semifinal With Everything On The Line
The Al Barid Stadium hosted two teams with contrasting journeys. Cameroon entered the playoff hoping to erase the disappointment of finishing behind Cape Verde in their qualifying group. DR Congo, meanwhile, arrived with momentum after closing their group stage with back-to-back wins.
What followed was a tight, bruising semifinal, packed with half-chances, missed opportunities, and a goalkeeper duel between Lionel Mpasi and Andre Onana.
Missed Chances That Haunted Cameroon
For Cameroon, the night will be remembered for what could have been.
Karl Etta Eyong fired over from point-blank range. Bryan Mbeumo dragged a golden chance wide. Christian Bassogog blazed an effort into the Rabat sky. And just when it looked like Vincent Aboubakar might rescue the Lions late on, Mpasi stood tall with a brilliant save.
Those misses would come back to sting.
DR Congo’s Persistence Finally Pays Off
Despite being second-best at times, DR Congo refused to fade. Cedric Bakambu forced a sharp save from Onana, Theo Bongonda caused problems with his pace, and Pickel’s early header reminded Cameroon that the Leopards weren’t only there to defend.
But the breakthrough evaded them until the 91st minute.
A late corner. A perfect delivery from Brian Cipenga. Mbemba rising with the authority of a man who has done this before.
One touch. One goal. One eruption of joy. DR Congo 1, Cameroon 0. Dreams alive..
What This Means For The Leopards
With the win, DR Congo advance to the playoff final, now one victory away from booking a spot in the inter-confederation playoffs hosted in Mexico next March. It’s been nearly half a century since the Leopards last appeared on the World Cup stage. This dramatic victory brings that dream a step closer.
For Cameroon, the heartbreak continues. After a mixed qualifying run, the Indomitable Lions will again search for answers as they miss out on a chance to return to the global showpiece.
The Road Ahead
DR Congo now march into Sunday’s final with belief, momentum, and a sense of destiny behind them. And with leaders like Mbemba delivering when it matters most, the Leopards know they’re capable of writing a historic chapter.
For now, they’ll savour a night when hope refused to die and their captain became the hero of Rabat.
Source: SuperSport
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