DR Congo extended their bid to reach the 2026 Fifa World Cup by upsetting Nigeria 4-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time in the African play-off final.
Leopards captain Chancel Mbemba netted the crucial spot-kick after substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu – brought on especially – had saved from Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi in the sixth round of the shootout.
Victory sees the Central Africans progress to a final intercontinental qualifier which will be held next March.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will be missing from a second successive edition of the World Cup after a poor performance in neutral Rabat.
Frank Onyeka’s deflected shot had given the West Africans the perfect start in the third minute, but Meschack Elia levelled from close range for the Congolese soon after the half hour mark.
Nigeria’s attacking threat evaporated after star striker Victor Osimhen was substituted at half-time, with DR Congo dominating possession and looking the more likely side to find a winner.
Mbema almost won it in added time in extra time, but Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali clawed away his looping header from just inside the right-hand upright.
A dramatic shootout unfolded in the driving rain and Mbemba – who netted the stoppage-time winner in Thursday’s play-off final against Cameroon – settled it as he guided his effort high into the net.
The Congolese ran the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of their fans, who can still dream of a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, when the country was called Zaire.