RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Congo moves into first place. world cup They defeated Nigeria in a penalty shootout on Sunday night to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.
The final match of the African qualifying playoffs, held in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1-1 after extra time, with Prime Minister Mbemba scoring the decisive spot kick and Congo winning the shootout 4-3.
Congo’s victory secures a spot in FIFA’s six-team intercontinental play-off tournament in March, with two teams qualifying for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria took the lead in the third minute with a goal from Frank Onyeka, before Mekaku Elia equalized for Congo in the 32nd minute.
Nigeria national team forward Victor Osimhen, top scorer In the UEFA Champions League, he was substituted at half-time.
Mbemba scored in stoppage time in Congo’s game against Cameroon on Thursday, sealing their place in the final. This time, he was the main character in the gunfight.
Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia have already qualified for the World Cup from Africa.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
