The Democratic Republic of Congo has pipped Nigeria to Africa’s ticket for the 2026 World Cup intercontinental playoffs.
The Leopards confirmed their place with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out win over the Tremendous Eagles on Sunday.
Frank Onyeka has opened the scoring, earlier than Meschack Elia equalized and there have been no objectives once more.
DR Congo goalkeeper, Timothy Fayulu, proved to be the hero for his nation in Rabat, Morocco.
So, what did we be taught from the sport?
1. Tremendous Eagles a one-man group: Victor Osimhen was substituted throughout half time of the match. And it wasn’t fairly the identical group anymore. The Tremendous Eagles misplaced their sense of urgency and perception, taking part in like a Championship group. Eric Chelle’s males have been fortunate to not lose in 120 minutes.
2. DR Congo on verge of historical past: The Leopards could possibly be set to make historical past subsequent 12 months. Congo have received the African Cup of Nations two instances (1968, 1974), however have solely been to the World Cup as soon as in 1974, when the nation was often called Zaire.
3. No World Cup once more for Nigeria: The Tremendous Eagles will now miss a second straight World Cup. The three-time African champions, who stumbled out of the gates in qualifying and by no means recovered, will miss a 3rd World Cup since 2006 and second in a row.
4. A time for rebuild: Chelle does seem like an honest supervisor. However his subsequent job is rebuilding Nigeria’s nationwide group. There are squad members who ought to have performed their final recreation for the Tremendous Eagles. And it’s a actual marvel why Raphael Onyedika was caught on the bench, weeks after shining towards Barcelona within the Champions League.
