Overview
- Chancel Mbemba scored in the 91st minute in Morocco to seal DR Congo’s 1-0 win, booking a meeting with Nigeria in the CAF play-off final for a route to the inter‑confederation play-offs.
- Bryan Mbeumo started for Cameroon and was captured walking down the tunnel alone after full time, highlighting the emotional toll of the elimination.
- Manchester United loanee Andre Onana started after a fitness test and made a fine save from Cedric Bakambu before conceding the late header.
- Cameroon, record African qualifiers with eight past World Cup appearances, miss the expanded 2026 tournament after finishing behind Cape Verde and falling in the play-offs.
- Focus now turns to AFCON in Morocco from December 21 to January 18, with Mbeumo potentially missing multiple Manchester United games if selected, as reports point to scrutiny of coach Marc Brys and the federation’s handling of the campaign.