THE Democratic Republic of Congo advanced to the African World Cup play-offs final with a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Cameroon in Rabat, Morocco tonight.
The Leopards will be up against the Super Eagles in Sunday’s battle for the intercontinental play-offs ticket.
The Super Eagles defeated Gabon 4-1 in the first semi-final, also in Rabat earlier tonight.
A stoppage-time header from DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba off a corner kick sealed the dramatic 1-0 triumph at the Stade El Barid.
The result ended Cameroon’s hopes of returning to the World Cup they attended in 2022 and keeps alive DR Congo’s dreams of their second-ever Mundial after their debut in 1974, when they were known as Zaire.
In a tense and rain-soaked clash with few clear chances, both teams struggled to break each other down as extra-time loomed.
Cameroon came closest in the second half when Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, in impressive club form, was played through on goal but stabbed inches wide of the near post.
At the other end, DR Congo threatened through Cedric Bakambu, who forced a fine save from Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, currently on loan at Trabzonspor.
Sunday’s final will be at the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan, where the Super Eagles beat Gabon after extra-time.
The winners of the African play-offs final will proceed to the intercontinental play-off tournament in Mexico next March.