DR Congo took a monumental step toward achieving their FIFA World Cup dream after beating Nigeria 4-3 on post match penalties on Sunday evening.
Both sides battled out to a 1-1 draw after extra time at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, forcing a winner to be decided on penalties.
Congo will now progress to a six-team FIFA intercontinental playoff in Mexico to decide the final two qualifiers for the World Cup.
The African qualifiers will join Bolivia (CONMEBOL) and New Caledonia (the OFC), plus teams from Asia and Concacaf, during the international break from March 23-31 next year.
The victory sparked celebrations all across the nation as they seek to make a first World Cup appearance since 1974, when the nation was still called Zaire.
See also: SL weekend wrap – Gor remain top, Mara Sugar streak continues
Nigeria began the match with electrifying pace and broke the deadlock in the third minute of the game via a Frank Onyeka goal.
Meshack Elia was the Congolese savior in the 32nd minute with a well worked equalizer, bringing Congo level.
Nigeria needed extra time to sink Gabon 4-1 in their Thursday semifinal , while Congo beat Cameroon 1-0 inside 90 minutes in their semi later the same night.
Captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot kick after Congolese substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, made two incredible saves to guarantee the victory.
Egypt, Senegal, South Africa, Ghana, Cape Verde, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Algeria and Tunisia have already qualified directly for the 2026 World Cup from Africa.
Bettors were rewarded with a home win or draw pick, as Nigeria were favorites and the match did indeed result in a stalemate after the 90.
Both teams to score was also a worthy option for the game, with the odds at 1.80, as Congo continued their admirable goal-scoring run to make this pick a reality.
For more on soccer, visit SOCCERMAG
Photo: X/PrimatureRDC
ZarBet
- Very strong sign up offer
- Fast app on iOS & Android
- Extensive betting content
