DR Congo edge Sudan to reach World Cup qualifying playoffs
DR Congo kept their World Cup dream alive with a tense 1-0 victory over Sudan at the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
The result secured the Leopards a place in the African qualifying playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing second in Group B.
Theo Bongonda was the hero of the night, scoring the decisive goal in the 29th minute after a well-timed assist from Ngalaye Mukau.
DR Congo dominated the early stages, pressing high and creating several chances before Bongonda’s finish finally broke Sudan’s resistance.
Despite late pressure from the visitors, the Leopards’ defence held firm to seal a vital victory that sparked celebrations among the home crowd.
The triumph marked redemption for Sébastien Desabre’s men, who had fallen 1-0 to Sudan in the reverse fixture in November 2023.
This time, DR Congo showed greater tactical discipline and urgency, fully aware that only a win would keep their World Cup ambitions alive.
Finishing second in the group, DR Congo earned qualification as one of the four best runners-up in the African zone, joining Gabon, Cameroon, and Nigeria in the playoffs.
The teams will meet in a mini-tournament in Morocco next month, featuring semifinals and a final to determine Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March 2026.
For DR Congo, the result is another step in their resurgence under Desabre, who has restored belief in a squad blending experienced campaigners with emerging talent.
The Leopards will now turn their attention to Morocco, hoping to take the final leap toward a first World Cup appearance since 1974.
