DR Congo secured a dramatic victory, fueling their World Cup qualification aspirations with a crucial performance.
West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka helped the Democratic Republic of the Congo secure a dramatic 1-0 victory over Cameroon, earning the Léopards a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off final against Nigeria, according to a report from West Ham United F.C.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo secured a tense and crucial 1-0 victory over five-time Africa Cup of Nations champions Cameroon in the semi-finals of the CAF qualifying second round in Rabat, Morocco.
West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka completed the full 90 minutes for The Léopards as they kept their World Cup dream alive. After 90 goalless minutes, the deadlock was finally broken when Lille’s Chancel Mbemba struck the dramatic winning goal in the first minute of injury time.
The victory booked DR Congo a place in the second-round final against Nigeria, who had beaten Gabon 4-1 after extra-time in their semi-final.
The final, set to be hosted at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat at 7pm GMT on Sunday, November 16, carries enormous stakes: the winner will progress to the inter-confederation play-offs next spring, where two of six teams will ultimately earn spots at the finals in North America.
Elsewhere in international action, fellow Hammers midfielder Tomáš Souček scored the decisive goal as Czechia edged past San Marino 1-0 in a friendly in Karviná. Souček, Czechia’s No.28, missed a penalty shortly after the half-hour mark, but promptly made amends by striking his 16th international goal on his 86th senior appearance five minutes before half-time.
Second-place Czechia now enters their final World Cup qualifying match against Gibraltar with an outside chance of automatic progression, though they are guaranteed a play-off spot regardless due to their UEFA Nations League ranking.
Finally, West Ham United captain Jarrod Bowen was an unused substitute as already-qualified England maintained a perfect campaign in UEFA Group K by beating Serbia 2-0 at Wembley, courtesy of goals from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze.
The Three Lions will conclude their group fixtures away at Albania on Sunday, November 16, where Bowen will be hoping to win his 20th cap.