Overview
- After a 1-1 draw through extra time in Rabat, Nigeria’s Frank Onyeka scored in the third minute before Meschack Elia equalised for DR Congo just past the half hour.
- DR Congo introduced Timothy Fayulu moments before the shootout and the substitute goalkeeper made two saves, with captain Chancel Mbemba converting the decisive kick for a 4-3 win.
- Nigeria faltered from the spot as Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed their first two penalties and Semi Ajayi’s later effort was saved, despite Stanley Nwabali denying two DR Congo attempts.
- DR Congo advance to a six-team inter-confederation playoff in Mexico in March, with the draw due this week and venues in Guadalajara and Monterrey; Bolivia and New Caledonia are already qualified entrants.
- Nigeria head coach Éric Chelle confronted the DR Congo bench and later alleged opponents used ‘voodoo’ during the shootout, a claim reported as denied by a DR Congo representative.