Everything is set - DR Congo is the fourth national team in WC playoffs

What was expected has indeed happened — DR Congo entered the match as favorites against Sudan, and they lived up to that role. The team may have hoped for a slip-up from Senegal to secure direct qualification, but instead, they will have to fight for a World Cup spot through the playoffs, alongside Gabon, Nigeria, and Cameroon. As things stand, their likely opponent will be Cameroon.

DR Congo took a narrow 1–0 lead into halftime after a lively and competitive first half against Sudan.

The hosts threatened early, with Arthur Masuaku testing the Sudanese goalkeeper in the 12th minute from a direct free-kick, but the effort was comfortably saved.

Moments later, in the 16th minute, Kayembe went close with a header following a scramble inside the Sudanese penalty area, though his attempt drifted just wide.

The breakthrough came in the 29th minute through Theo Bongonda. The DR Congo winger showcased his skill on the right flank, beating his marker one-on-one before cutting inside and firing a powerful shot past the goalkeeper to make it 1–0.

The hosts continued to press, and Elia nearly doubled the lead in the 38th minute with a shot that sailed just over the bar.

Sudan responded almost immediately, with Nooh finding himself in a promising position inside the box in the 39th minute, but his effort went high over the goal.

Deep into first-half stoppage time, Bongonda tried his luck again from about 20 meters, but his strike lacked power and accuracy, leaving the score 1–0 at the break in favor of DR Congo.

The second half began with both teams showing more attacking intent. In the 57th minute, DR Congo came close to doubling their lead after a major defensive error from Sudan, but Essende’s shot went well wide of the target.

Just three minutes later, Sudan launched a quick counterattack that ended with Thierry striking first time from inside the box, only for his effort to drift narrowly past the DR Congo goal.

The home side responded in the 65th minute when Masuaku found himself in a great position to score with a header, but the Sudanese goalkeeper produced an excellent save to keep his team in the game.

WC QUALIFICATION AFRICA - MATCHDAY 10

Tuesday

Seychelles - Gambia 0-7 (0-2)

/Sidibeh 46, 2, Barrow 52, 47, Manneh 75, 67, 24

Algeria - Uganda 2-1 (0-1)

/Amoura 81 pen, 90+9 pen - Mukwala 6/

Guinea - Botswana 2-2 (2-2)

/Traore 18, Balde 35 - Boy 7, Mohutsiwa 45+2/

Nigeria - Benin 4-0 (2-0)

/Osimhen 3, 37, 51, Onyeka 90+1/

S. Africa - Rwanda 3-0 (2-0)

/Mbatha 5, Appollis 26, Magkopa 72/

Somalila - Mozambique 0-1 (0-1)

/Catamo 6/

Dr Congo - Sudan 1-0 (1-0)

/Bongonda 29/

Gabon - Burundi 2-0 (0-0)

/Ngoua 86, Lemina 90+1/

Ivory Coast - Kenya 3-0 (1-0)

/Kessie 7, Diomande 54, Diallo 84/

Morocco - Kongo 1-0 (0-0)

/En-Nesyri 63/

Senegal - Mauritania 4-0 (1-0)

/Mane 45+1, 48, Ndiaye 64, Diallo 85/