DRC END NIGERIA'S DREAM

The Democratic Republic of Congo ended Nigeria's hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup with a penalty shootout victory in the African play-offs final on Sunday.

The tie in Rabat finished 1-1 after extra time, with the central Africans winning 4-3 on penalties to book a place in inter-confederation play-offs in Mexico next March.

In a penalty-strewn shootout in which four spot-kicks were saved and another missed, DR Congo captain Chancel Mbemba defied a bottle thrown toward him and torrential rain to convert the winning penalty as his country seek a return to the global showpiece after a lengthy absence.

Of the two saves, one was attributed to substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu after replacing Lionel M'Pasi in the final minute of extra time.

DR Congo was known as Zaire when the country made qualification for the only time in 1974. It was not a happy debut as they failed to score and conceded 14 goals, including nine against Yugoslavia.

Nigeria lie 19 places above DR Congo in the world rankings and were pre-match favourites, but DR Congo recovered from conceding early to look the likelier winners the longer the match proceeded.

Whereas it took them 78 minutes to break the scoring deadlock in their 4-1 semi-finals victory over Gabon three days ago, Nigeria were ahead inside three minutes against the Congolese.

It was only half-cleared, though, and a hard, low shot from outside the area by Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka was deflected by Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe past M'Pasi.

The DR Congo slowly recovered from the shock of falling behind so early against the Super Eagles and levelled after 32 minutes.

Veteran forward Cedric Bakambu crossed, and when Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi failed to control the ball in the six-yard box, Mechak Elia pounced to beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

Nigeria's star striker Victor Osimhen, who has scored five goals in his last two internationals, was injured late in the opening half and was replaced by Akor Adams for the second period.

As the second half of regular time progressed, the teams became increasingly cautious, especially Nigeria, who almost gifted the lead to DR Congo on 83 minutes.

A defensive mix-up involving Nwabali ended with DR Congo substitute Mahmoud Mayele just failing to snatch the lead.

The Democratic Republic of Congo thought they had taken the lead 19 minutes into extra time, but Moroccan referee Alami Bouderbal disallowed the goal, ruling the scorer Noah Sadiki had committed a foul. Victory qualifies the Congolese for a six-nation inter-confederation mini-tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey from 23 March.