World Cup (Q): Bakambu strikes as DR Congo overcome Togo

Cédric Bakambu’s first half rocket shot was enough for DR Congo to earn a 1-0 2026 World Cup qualifying victory in Lomé against hosts Togo on Friday.

BAKAMBOOM!#mobulute🐆 https://t.co/sRKtLxYSAS pic.twitter.com/AUC6j2gagx

— NG 🇨🇩 (@nkoyigoals) October 10, 2025

The veteran striker collected an assist from Fiston Mayele and fired in a powerful effort to leave goalkeeper Steven Mensah rooted to his spot. The victory keeps the Leopards in the hunt for first place Group B, where Senegal remain two points clear at the top following their routine victory at South Sudan.

A talented but underachieving Togolese side presented a potentially difficult opponent but Les Éperviers failed to provide much of a threat to the Leopards defense, a strong unit anchored by Rocky Bushiri, Axel Tuanzebe and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Yawo Agbagno and Kévin Denkey were left frustrated throughout the match without much support and service from the home team’s midfield.

The DRC were not at their best but only needed one moment of quality, which was provided by Bakambu inside the opening seven minutes in an uninspired match.

They will next host Sudan on the final matchday in Kinshasa, where the DRC will hope that they can win while Group B leaders Senegal slip up at home against Mauritania. Otherwise, the Leopards will have to settle for a place in the CAF regional playoff as one of the four best group runners-up.

While Senegal eased to victory, the third Group B match from Friday saw Sudan and Mauritania play to a 0-0 draw in Tanzania to officially confirm Sudan’s elimination from contention to qualify.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Updated Group B Table

1. Senegal- 21 points (GD: +14)
2. DR Congo- 19 points (GD: +8)
3. Sudan- 13 points
4. Togo- 7 points
5. Mauritania- 7 points
6. South Sudan- 4 points

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