Nigeria 1-2 DR Congo (AP): Super Eagles’ dreams dashed as Leopards claim intercontinental World Cup playoffs ticket

The Super Eagles of Nigeria fell to a penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the final of the CAF World Cup playoffs on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.

After defeating Gabon 4-1 on Thursday, Nigeria locked horns with DR Congo in the final game of the CAF World Cup playoffs at the Prince Moulay Hassan Staidum in Rabat.

Nigeria had the better quality players on paper going into the fixture, but DR Congo defeated Cameroon in their own semifinal fixture and were sure to give the Super Eagles a run for their money.

However, Nigeria took charge of the fixture very early. Nigeria scored the opener after just three minutes, courtesy of Frank Onyeka.

The Brentford man struck a wicked shot from outside the box, which bounced off the feet of a DR Congolese player and nestled in the bottom-left corner of the post.

After taking the lead, Nigeria took their feet off the pedal and let DR Congo into the game. Nonetheless, the Super Eagles got some half chances which fell to Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, but they failed to convert.

The Leopards eventually equalized in the 32nd minute, courtesy of Meschack Elia. Iwobi lost the ball in midfield, which gave DR Congo the opportunity to go on a quick counter.

Cedric Bakambu was set free with with Semi Ajayi on the right side of DR Congo’s defence. But the Hull City defender gave him too much space to play a cross in.

Wilfred Ndidi, who was the last man, failed to clear the ball, gifting Elia the chance to pounce. He made no mistake from close range, as he sent Nwabali the wrong way to make it 1-1. That made sure that the game ended in a draw at halftime.

Nigeria started the second half without talisman Victor Osimhen, and the evidence was clear. The Super Eagles were played out of the park. They were toothless and could barely string three passes in midfield.

Alex Iwobi was having one of his worst performances in a Super Eagles shirt, Wilfred Ndidi was swallowed by the game. The introduction of Tolu Arokodare, who could barely control the ball, did not even help matters.

DR Congo got very close to scoring, as Stanley Nwabali made a big error in goal. But they failed to convert, which was a big let-off for Nigeria.

It was total domination from the Leopards. But they just found it hard to break the Super Eagles’ backline.

Nigeria managed to drag the game into extra time. But the Super Eagles still did not improve.

The Leopards continued to dominate. They thought they had scored the winner in the 110th minute after Noah Sadiki put the ball in the net. But it was ruled out for a foul.

They were very close to scoring the winning goal in the last minute of extra-time, but Nwabali pulled off a remarkable save to keep out a header from Chancel Mbemba and force a penalty shootout.

Super Eagles Lose Via Penalty Shootout

The first three penalties were abysmal, with Calvin Bassey sending his effort high and wide, Nwabali saving Samuel Moutoussamy’s poor shot, and Moses Simon practically passing to the DR Congolese goalkeeper.

Noah Sadiki was the first player to score a penalty, as he sent the ball to Nwabali’s right. The Chippa United skipper followed the ball, but he just wasn’t quick enough.

Akor Adams then converted his spot-kick for Nigeria, sending his effot to the left of goalkeeper.

Axel Tuanzebe took the next one for DR Congo, but Nwabali saved his shot to the right

Bruno Onyemaechi then converted his, as his shot traveled to the top right corner.

Fiston Mayele played the fourth penalty for DR Congo and sent his kick to the left of Nwabali to keep things level

Chidera Ejuke took the fifth for the Super Eagles and sent it low into the middle of the net, beating the goalkeeper.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha then scored the fifth for DR Congo to send the shootout into sudden death.

Unfortunately for Nigeria, Semi Ajayi took the first sudden death penalty, and m the goalkeeper saved.

Chancel Mbemba took the last spot kick and converted with aplomb to ensure that DR Congo ran out with the win.

The victory means that the Leopard will be CAF’s sole representatives at the intercontinental playoffs next year.