Cameroon 0-1 Congo, FIFA WC 2026 Qualifiers Highlights: Congo Stun Indomitable Lions To Set Up Meeting With Nigeria

Cameroon:

A Onana; Tchatchoua, Castelletto, Nouhou, Nagida; Avom, Baleba, Anguissa; Nkoudou, Eyong, Mbeumo 

Congo DR:

Mpasi; Masuaku, Mbemba, Tuanzebe, Wan-Bissaka; Mbuku, Moutoussamy, Mukau, Kayembe; Essende, Bakambu

DR Congo XI: M’Pasi; Wan-Bissaka, Tuanzebe, Mbemba, Kayembe; Pickel, Moutoussamy, Sadiki; Bongonda, Bakambu, Mbuku.

Subs: Cipenga, Mukau, Kalulu, Essende, Epolo, Fayulu, Kayembe, Kapaudi, Masuaku, Bushiri, Mayele, Balikwisha

We are minutes away from kick-off in this exciting clash at the Al-Barid Stadium.

Cameroon have taken the direct route in this game, looking to launch long balls early at the Congolese defence.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 3'

Magri with a cynical challenge on Bongonda. Should have been booked but ref avoids the card so early on in the game.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 9'

Sunderland defender Sadiki comes close to scoring, but he can’t direct it goalwards. Close!

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 12'

We have seen little quality moment in this game so far. Mbeumo’s early chance is the best we have had at present.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 20'

Bongonda of DR Congo comes close to open the scoring. He gets it under the ball but fires over!

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 30'

None of the goalkeepers have been put to test so far in the first half an hour of the game.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 36'

Former Manchester United right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka had a run towards the goal pushed back by the Cameroon defence, which has doubled down on every threatening move.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 40'

It stays 0-0 at half-time despite some positive movement from Cameroon, who have been quiet lively in the first 45 minutes. The Lions created a handful of chances but couldn't capitalize as a result of Congo's defensive pressure.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 45'

And we are back for the remaining 45 minutes of the 2nd semi-final of the CAF FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers 2nd round. The previous sf went to extra-time before Victor Osimhen powered Nigeria through to the final, will this go to 120 minutes as well?

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 47'

It's raining here in the city of Rabbat in Morocco and the ball is holding up on the pitch, which is slowly getting filled. Cameroon, who had a better 1st half, made two changes - Vincent Aboubakar and Martin Hongla for Magri and Baleba.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 51'

Aboubakar has showed spark since coming on from the bench and has made instant impact. He had a shot saved by the opposing keeper. Eyong, too, had a go from distance but shot it wide with Wan-Bissaka winning a challenge against Congo's Nouhou, who sees a yellow.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 59'

Andre Onana comes up with a huge save to deny from scoring a potential opening goal in this match. Bakambu had a clear sight of goal but Onana made a crucial save ther as Congo look a bit positive with their front-footed and clear approach.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 65'

Bryan Mbeumo, that was the closest any player had gone towards the goal. He blasts it wide off the post. Cameroon knocking on the doors.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 70'

DR Congo bring on Brian Cipenga and Fiston Mayele for Mbuku and Bakambu. A few minutes ago, Congo had a free-kick through a challenge by Tchatchoua but Mbuku's attempt goes straight into Ngadeu's feet.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 77'

Both teams are still looking for that opening goal to break the deadlock but nothing has really materialized so far. Aboubakar was protesting about a possible penalty for Cameroon, but the referee denied. Mayele, then had a go at goal for Congo but the off-side flag was raised. Eyong also misses another chances and this one, too, is heading into extra-time.

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 84'

Chancel Mbemba strikes at the death! Deep into stoppage time, the centre-back ghosts in at the far post and smashes the ball into the net. The corner evaded everyone, and Mbemba was there to pounce. A dramatic late winner!

Cameroon 0-0 Congo DR 90+1'

Congo have done it. What an upset. They have beaten the favourites to win this match and they have done it in some fashion. A late-late goal to seal the victory and seal the place in the final of the CAF FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers play-off final on Sunday.