Chancel Mbemba delivered a dramatic late winner as DR Congo edged Cameroon 1-0 to book a clash with Nigeria in the final of the African play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Rabat on Thursday.

The Leopards captain slipped away from his marker to convert Brian Cipenga’s deep corner in the first minute of stoppage time, stunning the five-time African champions and ending Cameroon’s hopes of returning to the World Cup.

The Indomitable Lions, who hold the continent’s record for World Cup appearances with eight, will now miss out on next year’s expanded 48-team tournament.

With just six places separating the sides in the FIFA rankings, the contest in rain-soaked Rabat was cagey and tense. Conditions made fluid play difficult, but both teams created chances.

Andre Onana produced a sharp low save to deny Cedric Bakambu on the hour mark, while Bryan Mbeumo fired narrowly wide moments later. Late on, Karl Etta Eyong spurned two opportunities to put Cameroon ahead. Mbemba’s decisive touch in stoppage time ended their hopes.

DR Congo, whose only World Cup appearance came in 1974 as Zaire, now await Nigeria, who earlier defeated Gabon 4-1 after extra time.

The winner of the continental play-off final will progress to a six-team intercontinental tournament in March, which will determine the final two qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.