In a devastating blow for one of Africa's footballing powerhouses, Cameroon have crashed out of World Cup qualifying after a stoppage-time winner from DR Congo sealed their fate. The result prompted an angry reaction from Brentford and former Manchester United star Bryan Mbeumo, who stormed off the pitch in visible despair.
Agonising Finale Seals Cameroon's Fate
The Indomitable Lions entered their crucial play-off match as heavy favourites, having finished second in their group behind the surprise package, Cape Verde. Needing a victory to keep their dreams alive for the 2026 tournament in the US, Canada, and Mexico, Cameroon instead fell to an agonising 1-0 defeat.
The decisive moment came in the dying seconds of the game, when former Newcastle defender Chancel Mbemba scored for DR Congo. The goal triggered wild celebrations from the victors while Cameroon players collapsed to the turf in disbelief.
Mbeumo's Fury and a Nation's Disappointment
A video swiftly circulated on social media, capturing the raw emotion of the defeat for Bryan Mbeumo. The talismanic forward was seen looking furious as he departed the field in the rain, having to be consoled by staff while heading for the dressing room. The defeat means Mbeumo will miss the global showpiece alongside now-former Manchester United teammate Andre Onana.
The loss intensifies the pressure on manager Marc Brys, whose appointment was already contentious. He was controversially installed by the country's sports ministry against the wishes of football federation president and legend Samuel Eto'o.
Historical Context and What Comes Next
This failure represents a significant setback for a nation with a proud World Cup history. Cameroon have only missed three editions of the tournament since their 1982 debut, holding the record for the most World Cup appearances by an African team with eight.
Their qualifying campaign yielded just five wins, a statistic that will now be heavily scrutinised. For DR Congo, the victory sets up a final qualifying showdown with Nigeria for a spot at the 2026 World Cup. Their squad featured Premier League talents including West Ham's Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe.
