Nigeria Super Eagles and Congo Leopards played the play-off that would determine which team advance to the final intercontinental qualifier in March 2026.
The Super Eagles started well, taking the lead early through Frank Onyeka, whose deflected effort wrong-footed the Congolese goalkeeper. But DR Congo responded before the break, with Meschack Elia finishing from close range after sustained pressure.
The match was balanced in the second half, especially after the withdrawal of Victor Osimhen at half-time, which blunted much of Nigeria’s attacking edge. With neither side willing to risk losing the tie in regulation time, the game dragged into a nerve-wracking penalty shootout.
Nigeria suffered a disastrous start as Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon both missed their kicks. DR Congo also faltered, with Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe sending his effort wide, pushing the contest into sudden death.
Semi Ajayi’s penalty was saved, leaving the responsibility to 37-year-old Mbemba. The veteran defender powered his shot into the roof of the net, triggering wild celebrations from the Congolese bench and fans.
The victory capped a sensational week for Mbemba. Just days earlier, on the occasion of his 100th cap, he scored a dramatic 91st-minute winner to knock Cameroon out of the qualifiers.
DR Congo now moves on to a six-team inter-confederation tournament featuring Bolivia, New Caledonia, and teams from Asia and Concacaf, with two World Cup slots up for grabs. Should the Leopards qualify, it would mark their first World Cup appearance since 1974.
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