World Cup (Q): Mbemba volleys DR Congo into playoff final

DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba scored from a corner kick in second half stoppage time to give the Leopards a 1-0 2026 World Cup qualifying victory over Cameroon in the second semifinal from the African regional playoff.

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— 🟠 Goal Clips on @CenterOfGoals 🔴 (@TracieAshw26014) November 13, 2025

The Lille defender arrived to volley in at the far post from Brian Cipenga’s corner kick in the first minute of stoppage time at the Al Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The result means that DR Congo will face Nigeria in Sunday’s playoff final, where the winner will qualify for the inter-continental playoff tournament in Mexico next March.

Mbemba’s late winner came after the two teams largely neutralized each other in heavy rain, where both defenses remained resolute.

Opportunities were rare, with each team having half chances in the first half. As the rain increased throughout the match, both teams became more and more cautious. DRC forward Cedric Bakambu came close to scoring on the hour mark but Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana produced an excellent save.

Five minutes later, Indomitable Lions forward Bryan Mbeumo poked a shot just wide with only goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi to beat.

But just when it seemed that extra time was certain, a well taken corner kick from Cipenga found DRC captain Mbemba at the far post for an excellent finish and the Leopards kept their qualification hopes alive.