Former Newcastle United defender Chancel Mbemba cemented his status as a national hero for the Democratic Republic of Congo, scoring the winning penalty in a dramatic shootout against Nigeria to keep their World Cup dreams alive.
Explosive Start and Tense Stalemate
The crucial African play-off match in Morocco on Sunday began at a ferocious pace. Frank Onyeka gave Nigeria the lead with a deflected strike, but the Congolese response was swift. Meschack Elia levelled the score just after the half-hour mark with a close-range finish.
The momentum shifted significantly when Nigeria's star striker, Victor Osimhen, was substituted at half-time, blunting their attacking threat. With both teams cautious about conceding a decisive goal in regular time, the match headed straight to penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Penalty Shootout Drama and Mbemba's Heroics
The penalty shootout got off to a nightmare start for the Super Eagles, with Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon both missing their spot-kicks. However, DR Congo failed to capitalise immediately, with misses from their own players, including Burnley's Axel Tuanzebe, sending the shootout into sudden death.
When Nigerian player Semi Ajayi saw his penalty saved, the stage was set for captain Chancel Mbemba, 37, to become the match-winner. The veteran defender kept his composure, firing his shot into the back of the net to spark wild celebrations amongst the Congolese squad.
Road to the World Cup
This was Mbemba's second decisive intervention in a week. Just days earlier, on his 100th appearance for his country, he scored a 91st-minute winner to eliminate Cameroon. This victory propels DR Congo into a final intercontinental qualifying tournament in March, where they will face teams from Asia and CONCACAF.
The six-team tournament will offer the last two spots for the upcoming World Cup. If they succeed, it will be the nation's first World Cup finals appearance since 1974.
Mbemba, who made 59 appearances for Newcastle between 2015 and 2018, now plays for French side Lille after spells with Porto and Marseille.
