On November 13th local time, a thrilling semi-final match of the 2026 World Cup African qualifying play-offs took place. The Democratic Republic of Congo, after a grueling 90 minutes, pulled off a stunning 1-0 upset victory over a star-studded Cameroon.

With this victory, the Democratic Republic of Congo has advanced to the final of the African qualifying playoffs. They will face Nigeria on Sunday for a place in the FIFA continental playoffs scheduled for March next year.

As for Cameroon, despite boasting a star-studded squad including Manchester United striker Brian Mbomo, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, Napoli midfielder Frank Anguiza, and Manchester United loaned goalkeeper Andre Onana, they were eliminated from next year's World Cup.

Just four minutes into the game, Mbomo completed a series of brilliant passes with two teammates before breaking into the penalty area, ultimately unleashing a shot that went straight into Lionel Mpasi's arms. In the 10th minute, Nathaniel Mbuku delivered a free-kick cross from the left wing, and Charles Picker's header inside the penalty area went just wide.

In the 20th minute, Mbomo took a free kick from the left, and Eita Eton's close-range shot went over the crossbar. In the 28th minute, Nuhu Tolo's header clearance in the penalty area was weak, and Theo Bognada's follow-up shot went just over the bar. One minute later, Bognada again capitalized on a defensive lapse with a shot, but Onana stretched out his leg to block it.

The second half began with both sides continuing their attacking play. In the 50th minute, Vincent Aboubakar unleashed a long-range shot from outside the box, but it was easily caught by Mpassi. In the 58th minute, Kayanbe delivered a precise through ball from the edge of the box, but Bakambu's follow-up shot was saved by Onana. In the 63rd minute, Martin Hogra played a through ball to Mbomo, whose shot into the bottom left corner failed to find the net.

In the 71st minute, Edo Kayembe crossed from the right wing, and Samul Mutusami's curling shot from outside the box was saved by Onana. In the 85th minute, Christian Bassogog crossed from the left wing into the box, and Patrick Soko's chip shot was blocked by Mpasi. One minute later, George Kevin Nkoudou crossed from the left wing at a 45-degree angle, and Eton's shot inside the box went over the crossbar.

In the first minute of stoppage time, Brian Sipenga delivered a corner kick from the right, and Pierre Mbemba slotted home at the far post to seal the victory. The Democratic Republic of Congo also secured the win thanks to Mbemba's crucial goal, eliminating Cameroon from the competition.