The Democratic Republic of Congo’s national football team has secured a place in the Intercontinental playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles in a penalty shootout. The match, held in Rabat on Sunday, ended 4‑3 in favor of the Congolese side, known as the Leopards.
Leopards coach Sébastien Desabre praised his team’s performance, acknowledging the difficulty of starting a match down 1‑0. “It’s difficult to start a match down 1‑0, but the team spirit remained high, and we chose to try and control the game,” he said. He also recognized Nigeria’s strong showing, adding that “Nigeria also deserves to be congratulated” and describing the contest as “very close.” Desabre noted that the Leopards could have missed qualification, but felt they “deserved the victory.”
The win is a significant milestone for the Democratic Republic of Congo, which aims to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since its debut in 1974. The team will now travel to Mexico in March 2026 to compete in the Intercontinental playoffs against other hopefuls for a spot in the global tournament.
The match was tightly contested, with both sides displaying skill and determination. The Leopards’ ability to recover from an early deficit and prevail in the penalty shootout highlights their resilience and teamwork. Their progression to the Intercontinental playoffs is a notable achievement given the team’s history and the competitive nature of African football. Fans across the continent and worldwide will be watching closely as the Leopards aim to build on their momentum and make a strong impression in the upcoming playoffs.
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