Cameroon stunned by late winner
A dramatic night in the African World Cup qualifiers saw Cameroon eliminated after a crushing 0–1 defeat to DR Congo in the playoff semifinals. The decisive moment came in the 91st minute, when DR Congo scored a last-gasp goal that broke the hearts of millions of fans. Despite high expectations and strong betting support on 12BET Malaysia, the Indomitable Lions failed to advance.
Group stage failure leads to playoffs
Cameroon entered the qualifiers as the strongest team in their group, which included Cape Verde and Libya. Yet despite their superior squad value and World Cup pedigree, they finished only second, forced into the playoff route. Cape Verde surprisingly topped the group.
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Star players struggle despite huge squad value
On paper, Cameroon possessed overwhelming quality. Their starting XI was valued at €200 million, featuring big names like Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, Napoli’s Frank Anguissa, and United loanee goalkeeper André Onana. In comparison, DR Congo’s squad was valued at only €62.5 million.
But, as football fans on 12BET Malaysia know well, the game is unpredictable. Cameroon’s attack looked uninspired, and their midfield failed to control the tempo.
Injury time collapse seals elimination
After 90 minutes of goalless tension, DR Congo earned a corner in added time. Defender Mbabane rose highest and headed in the winner. Onana stretched out a leg trying to stop the ball but missed, left sitting helplessly on the pitch while the opponents celebrated wildly.
A historic collapse for Africa’s World Cup giants
Cameroon, who have qualified for the World Cup a record eight times—more than any other African nation—and famously reached the 1990 quarterfinals, will miss out on the next edition. This defeat will be remembered as one of their most shocking failures.
DR Congo players promised huge reward
DR Congo now stand on the brink of a miracle. Local media report that the nation’s president has promised US$1 million (approx. RMB 7.09 million) to every player if they win the playoff final.
Not to the team—to each individual player.
Road to the final qualification slots
Nine African teams have already secured their World Cup spots: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.
The winner between DR Congo and Nigeria will advance to the intercontinental playoffs in March, battling Bolivia, New Caledonia, and teams from Asia and CONCACAF for the last two tickets.
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