Nigeria vs DR Congo live: Leopards keep World Cup dream alive with dramatic penalty shoot-out win
Nigeria 1-1 DR Congo (DR Congo win 4-3 on pens): Captain Chancel Mbemba was the hero again as he scored the winning penalty in the shoot-out to send the Leopards through
DR Congo stunned Nigeria on penalties to keep their World Cup dreams alive and knock out the Super Eagles in a dramatic play-off final upset.
Frank Onyeka’s deflected opener for Nigeria was cancelled out by a DR Congo equaliser in the first half, with Meschak Elia punishing Wilfried Ndidi’s mistake. DR Congo were the better of the two teams but neither could settle the match in extra time and so it went to penalties.
Nigeria made the worst possible start with Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missing their first two kicks of the shoot-out as DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki became the first to score. But Akor Adams replied for Nigeria and then goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali saved from Axel Tuanzebe.
After Bruno Onyemaechi and Chidera Ejuke scored for Nigeria, Michel-Ange Balikwisha sent the shoot-out into sudden-death. But Semi Ajayi’s kick was saved by Timothy Fayulu and DR Congo skipper Chancel Mbemba, who scored the winner against Cameroon in the semi-finals, sent them through.
DR Congo have only played in the World Cup once in 1974, when the country was called Zaire. As the winners of the CAF play-off final, to be held in the Moroccan capital Rabat, they will advance to March’s inter-continental play-offs, joining the likes of Bolivia and New Caledonia.
Follow the latest updates from Nigeria vs DR Congo below:
Nigeria coach alleges DR Congo ‘did some voodoo’ during penalty shoot-out defeat in World Cup qualifying
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle accused DR Congo’s players of doing “voodoo” during their penalty shoot-out victory over the Super Eagles to send them through to the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their first two penalties of the shoot-out before Semi Ajayi’s kick was saved by DR Congo Timothy Fayulu in sudden-death. After Mbemba’s winning penalty, Nigeria head coach Chelle confronted the opposing team’s coaching staff, The Athletic reported.
Chelle then spoke to reporters in the mixed zone and was asked about the confrontation. “During the penalty shoot-out, the players of Congo did some some voodoo. Every time, every time. So this is why.”
Nigeria coach alleges DR Congo ‘did some voodoo’ during penalty shoot-out defeat
CONGO THROUGH TO THE PLAY-OFFS!
Along with DR Congo, Bolivia and New Caledonia, Jamaica and Panama are well-positioned to join them, with the UAE and Iraq facing off in the Asian play-off.
CONGO THROUGH TO THE PLAY-OFFS!
Congo have advanced through to the inter-confederation play-offs in March.
Six teams will play in the inter-confederation playoffs: one from Conmebol, one from Oceania, one from Asia, one from Africa, and two from Concacaf.
So far, Bolivia and New Caledonia have secured their respective spots.
The two highest-ranked teams will get byes to the two finals, while the remaining four teams will play semifinals ties to reach the final.
CONGO THROUGH TO THE PLAY-OFFS!
DR Congo take their place in the inter-confederation play-offs next year.
They will face teams from other continents, including potentially Bolivia and New Caledonia, for the final two places in the World Cup.
CONGO THROUGH TO THE PLAY-OFFS!
PENALTIES! Nigeria 3-4 DR Congo
Captain Mbemba steps up and sends Nwabali the wrong way and the Leopards win the CAF play-off final!
PENALTIES! Nigeria 3-3 DR Congo
SAVED!
Ajayi up next for Nigeria...but he telegraphs it and Fayulu dives to his left to make the save!
Congo can win it if they score their next one!
PENALTIES! Nigeria 3-3 DR Congo
GOAL!
Balikwisha puts his penalty into the side-netting! Great hit.
Into sudden death here!
PENALTIES! Nigeria 3-2 DR Congo
GOAL!
Ejuke is up and he puts a calm, composed effort right down the middle. Congo must score their next one!
PENALTIES! Nigeria 2-2 DR Congo
GOAL!
A great effort from Mayele, side-footing an effort into the corner and sending Nwabali the wrong way.
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