DR Congo defeated Nigeria to advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in March after a tense clash at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, ended in a penalty shootout.

In the final of the CAF mini-tournament for African qualification, Nigeria started brightly and took the lead just three minutes into the match when midfielder Frank Onyeka fired in an early opener. The Super Eagles pushed to extend their advantage but failed to convert several chances.

As the game progressed, DR Congo settled into their rhythm, controlled possession, and dictated the tempo. The match eventually finished 1-1 after normal and extra time, sending the contest into penalties.

The Leopards held their nerve during the shootout, beating the Super Eagles 4-3 to claim Africa’s sole ticket to the intercontinental play-offs scheduled for March next year.

With the victory, DR Congo will now compete for a place at next summer’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Nigeria, meanwhile, will miss a second consecutive World Cup after another disappointing performance in Rabat.

Nine African teams have already booked their spots at the tournament through the CAF group stage: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia. DR Congo could become Africa’s 10th representative if they triumph in the inter-confederation play-offs.

The play-offs will feature two teams from CONCACAF, and one team each from the AFC, CONMEBOL, and the OFC.