DR Congo Edge Cameroon 1-0 to Move Closer to First World Cup Appearance Since 1974

The Democratic Republic of Congo have taken a major step toward qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1974, after earning a dramatic 1-0 victory over Cameroon at the Al Barid Stadium in Rabat.

Captain Chancel Mbemba was the hero of the night, scoring the winning goal in stoppage time to send DR Congo into the CAF World Cup qualifying play-off final.

The Leopards, who last appeared at the World Cup over five decades ago when they competed as Zaire in West Germany in 1974, are now just one win away from making history again.

Their next challenge will be against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who advanced to the final after defeating Gabon 4–1 in the CAF World Cup playoff semifinals held in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday.

The decisive play-off final between DR Congo and Nigeria is set to take place at the newly built Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on November 16, 2025.