Nigeria 1-1 Congo DR (PSO 3-4)
Nigeria goal: Onyeka (3)
Congo DR goal: Elia (32)
Congo DR will be Africa’s representative in the FIFA Play-Off Tournament after taking down Nigeria on penalties in the CAF Play-Off final at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay Hassan in Rabat.
Congo DR become the third team to progress to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, joining Bolivia and New Caledonia. Three more spots remain for the six-team bonanza next March when two nations will complete the 48-team field for the FIFA World Cup 26™.
Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles were in dreamland from the start, as a poor clearance set up a blazing shot from Frank Onyeka that ricocheted into net.
But Sebastien Desabre’s Leopards responded and levelled when Nigeria failed to deal with Cedric Bakambu’s deep cross, allowing Mechak Elia to strike.
Congo DR enjoyed the better run of play in the second half, but did little to trouble Stanley Nwabali in the Nigeria goal, resulting in extra time. The Nigerian defence held firm in the additional session, forcing the teams to settle matters on penalties.
Desabre brought on back-up goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu in the final minute of extra time for the spot kicks, and it proved an inspired choice as Fayulu made two crucial saves, paving the way for captain Chancel Mbemba’s clincher.
Photo credit: CAF
