Cameroon hosted DR Congo in the semi‑final of the CAF World Cup 2026 qualifying playoff under the floodlights of Al‑Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on 13th November 2025.
The match was part of the World Cup Qualifiers CAF stage, Softfootball reports. After a tense 90 minutes, DR Congo came out with a victorious 1–0 thereby securing a place in Sunday’s playoff final against Nigeria.
In the first 45 minutes, Cameroon’s Charles Baleba earned a foul and Chancel Mbemba followed with a foul of his own five minutes later. Félix Magri also received a foul at 25 minutes.
Despite a few half‑chances, both defenses held firm which eventually ended with 0–0 at halftime. At the start of the second half, Cameroon pressed early. Nicolas Tolo committed a foul for DR Congo at 57 minutes.
As full‑time approached, the game took a dramatic turn as a corner taken by Brian Kibambe Cipenga found Chancel Mbemba at the far post and the defender headed home in the first minute of stoppage time. DR Congo rejoiced over the 0-1 goal.
The Indomitable Lions pushed for an equaliser in the dying moments but could not find their way into Lionel Mpasi’s net. This was the first official match in Morocco after Barcelona’s new four‑year, multi‑million‑euro sponsorship deal with DR Congo.
The match finally came to an end with DR Congo securing their 0-1 victory. The Leopards advanced gracefully to face Nigeria in the playoff final on Sunday, while Cameroon exited with pride after a disciplined defensive show off.
CAF also made an official announcement on their verified X handle that DR Congo will face Nigeria next in the playoffs final. They posted:
Notably, DR Congo’s victory was built on a solid defensive effort and a single moment of brilliance from Mbemba.
