Congo has secured a spot in the World Cup intercontinental playoffs after defeating Nigeria in a penalty shootout on Sunday night. The decisive match, which ended 1-1 after extra time, was played in Rabat, Morocco, as part of the African qualifying rounds. Chancel Mbemba scored the winning penalty kick, sealing a 4-3 victory for Congo.
The match began with Nigeria taking the lead through Frank Onyeka’s goal in the third minute, but Mechak Elia equalized for Congo in the 32nd minute. Notably, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, the current leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League, was substituted at halftime. Mbemba, who had previously scored in added time against Cameroon on Thursday to secure a place in the final, proved to be the hero once again in the shootout.
This victory has earned Congo a place in FIFA’s six-team intercontinental playoff tournament, scheduled to take place in March. The tournament will determine the last two teams to qualify for the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Congo will join other African teams that have already qualified, including Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.
The intercontinental playoffs will feature teams from different confederations, all vying for a spot in the prestigious tournament. The World Cup, one of the most widely viewed and followed sporting events globally, is expected to attract massive attention and interest from fans around the world. With Congo’s advancement, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive intercontinental playoff tournament, which will ultimately determine the final lineup for the World Cup.
Congo’s qualification is a significant achievement, highlighting the team’s determination and skill. As the intercontinental playoffs approach, fans and spectators can look forward to intense matches and surprising outcomes. The road to the World Cup has been long and challenging, but for Congo, the reward is a chance to compete on the global stage against the best teams in the world.