Cameroon’s World Cup dream ends in stoppage time against DR Congo
Cameroon’s 2026 World Cup ambitions suffered a cruel blow as they fell 1-0 to DR Congo in the CAF playoff semi-final in Morocco, conceding a last-gasp goal from Chancel Mbemba in the first minute of added time.
The loss sees the Indomitable Lions eliminated before the continental playoff final, echoing past heartbreaks such as Algeria’s near miss in the 2022 qualifiers.
The match at Al-Barid Stadium was tightly contested from start to finish.
Both sides displayed tactical discipline, with Cameroonian defenders holding firm against DR Congo’s early probing attacks.
Despite a few half-chances, Cameroon struggled to break through a well-organized Leopards defense.
As the game entered stoppage time, a lapse in concentration proved decisive.
Mbemba capitalized on a defensive miscue to slot home the winner, leaving Cameroon stunned and DR Congo jubilant.
For the Cameroonian squad, including Napoli midfielder Zambo Anguissa, the result is devastating.
The team had been building towards this moment for months, hoping to secure a place in the final against Nigeria, who had earlier beaten Gabon 4-1 after extra time.
Instead, their World Cup hopes ended in a single cruel moment, reminiscent of Karl Toko-Ekambi’s late strike that denied Algeria a place in 2022, leading to widespread disappointment among supporters.
“It’s heartbreaking to concede so late. We worked hard, but football can be unforgiving,” an unnamed Cameroonian player admitted post-match.
The loss underscores the fine margins in CAF playoffs, where years of preparation can be undone in a single action.
For DR Congo, the victory offers a shot at redemption and a chance to face Nigeria in the continental playoff final this Sunday.
A win there would send them to the intercontinental playoffs, keeping alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Beyond national pride, the players are also motivated by financial incentives, with each squad member eligible for a $1 million bonus if they secure World Cup participation, as promised by the Democratic Republic of Congo authorities.
The final stages of the CAF playoff promise high stakes, with Nigeria already waiting for the Leopards.
The intercontinental playoff, scheduled for March 2026, will involve teams from CONCACAF, AFC, CONMEBOL, OFC, and CAF vying for the final two spots in the global tournament, further emphasizing the magnitude of Cameroon’s narrow defeat.
Cameroon now faces reflection and rebuilding, as a nation mourns another near miss on the road to the World Cup, while DR Congo prepares for a high-profile clash with Nigeria that could define their footballing future.
