Do or die for African heavyweights: Indomitable Lions versus relentless Leopards
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 13.11.25. | 13:53
DR Congo have never beaten Cameroon in nine previous encounters - six losses, three draws - a record that screams dominance. But tonight is a whole different game (10 pm)
The road to the 2026 World Cup tightens, the air thickens, and at Al-Barid Stadium on Thursday night, two African heavyweights step into a battle that could define a generation.
Cameroon vs Congo DR - a clash of tradition and revival, of scars and belief, with a ticket to the grand final of Africa's four-team playoff on the line.
For Cameroon, it's about legacy. The Indomitable Lions, eight-time World Cup participants, the pride of a continent for decades, now stand one step from the edge. Their qualifying campaign was a rollercoaster of frustration - too many draws, too many missed chances.
The goalless stumble against Eswatini, the painful defeat to Cape Verde, the last gasp at Angola - all reminders that history guarantees nothing.
Yet, even wounded, Cameroon remain dangerous. Marc Brys's men travel with renewed spirit, having won four of their last five away matches in 2025. They know the path to North America runs through the fire - and they're ready to walk it.
But across from them stands a side that refuses to fade quietly.
Congo DR, the eternal fighters, come armed with rage and redemption. The Leopards could have soared directly to the World Cup, but in football's cruel theatre, they fell - a two-goal lead turned to dust against Senegal, their dream snatched away. Now, they march into the semi-final with the fury of the wronged, a squad forged by heartbreak and still hungry for glory.
History, however, doesn't favour them. Congo DR have never beaten Cameroon in nine previous encounters - six losses, three draws - a record that screams dominance. But the Leopards know: every streak dies someday, and what better night than this?
This is more than a semi-final.
It's a clash of hearts and heritage, of two nations that carry the rhythm of Africa in their veins.
The winner faces the survivor of Nigeria vs Gabon - and after that, the intercontinental playoff in March, where the dream of the 48-team World Cup awaits. On Thursday in Rabat, only one roar will echo when the dust settles. Will it be the growl of the Indomitable Lions - or the defiant cry of the Leopards breaking free at last?
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - AFRICA
Play-off semi-finals
Thursday
19.00: (1.90) Nigeria (3.10) Gabon (4.80)
22.00: (2.35) Cameroon (2.75) DR Congo (3.65)
***odds are subject to change***
