Cameroon lost to the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Thursday night in the African World Cup qualifying play-offs, resulting in them missing out on qualification for the 2026 tournament.
Manchester United’s Brian Mbeumo looked visibly broken after Cameroon’s World Cup dreams were dashed. The Indomitable Lions needed a win in Thursday night’s playoffs to keep their hopes of playing in this summer’s North American tournament alive.
Mbeumo was on the pitch for Cameroon from the start of the match against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Morocco. The match remained deadlocked until the 91st minute.
It was then that Prime Minister Mbemba slipped in at the back post and sent the ball past United loanee Andre Onana, prompting jubilant cheers from the Democratic Republic of Congo side and the Cameroon players being beaten at full-time.
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The result means the Democratic Republic of Congo will face Nigeria in the final, with the winner qualifying for this summer’s World Cup.
After Cameroon’s defeat, Mbeumo could not hide his disappointment. Footage circulating on social media shows the United striker walking alone down the tunnel, visibly shaken, and only stopping briefly to shake hands with coaching staff.
Mbeumo is now expected to return to United after the international break and begin preparations for the Premier League game against Everton. The 26-year-old has been outstanding for United this season, earning him the Premier League Player of the Month award for October.
He has found the net four times in his last four Premier League games, including scoring the opening goal in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham before the international break.
Despite failing to qualify for the World Cup, United could be without Mbeumo, along with teammate Amad, for up to six Premier League games as they take part in the African Cup of Nations, which begins next month. United will also lose Mbemo and Ivory Coast international Amad in the competition, which will be held from December 21 to January 18.
United manager Ruben Amorim admitted the loss of both players would be a blow, but insisted it would create opportunities for other players in the squad. He said: “We were going to struggle a little bit, but we already knew it was going to be an opportunity.
“When you watch practice, there are players who should play.
“But it’s difficult to take some players out of the team for one game, because they are also doing well in training during the match. So other players will have an opportunity to help us.”
“They understand how we want to play, so if we are improving that, changing the characteristics will not change the idea or the momentum of the team. But let’s use Amad and Brian in these games. Overall we will see.”
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