Congo booked its spot in the World Cup intercontinental playoffs after defeating Nigeria in a dramatic Sunday night penalty shootout.Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive penalty, giving Congo a 4-3 shootout win after the final African qualifying playoff match ended 1-1 following extra time in Rabat, Morocco.
The victory guarantees Congo a place in FIFA’s six-team intercontinental playoff tournament in March, which will determine the final two teams to qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Nigeria took an early lead in the third minute through Frank Onyeka, before Mechak Elia equalized for Congo in the 32nd minute.Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen, UEFA Champions League top scorer, was substituted at halftime.
Mbemba, who scored in added time during Congo’s 1-0 win over Cameroon on Thursday to reach the final, once again became the hero in the penalty shootout.
African teams already qualified for the World Cup include Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia.
