Nigeria have failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the second successive edition after succumbing to a 4-3 loss on penalties against DR Congo in the CAF World Cup playoff final at the Moulay Hassan Stadium on Sunday night.
Nigeria commenced the game on the front foot and managed to take the lead in the third minute. After making their way to the DR Congo 18-yard area, Frank Onyeka directed a shot at goal, which took a massive deflection off Axel Tuanzebe as the helpless keeper watched the ball roll into the back of the net.
DR Congo battled to progress the ball upfield as a result of Nigeria’s forward pressure and were unable to manufacture notable scoring opportunities with around 15 minutes on the clock.
With 30 minutes played at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Nigeria remained in control of the tie and actively searched for their second goal after Onyeka’s opener.
However, DR Congo equalised moments after the half-hour mark through Mechak Elia. With Alex Iwobi caught in possession close to the halfway line, Cedric Bakambu drove the ball forward before picking out Elia, who scored after profiting from Wilfred Ndidi’s mis-control inside the area.
While the game ended 1-1 at the break, DR Congo looked bright during the early stages of the second half. The Leopards went forward with purpose as they went in search of the leading goal.
The match slowed down dramatically after the hour mark, while Nigeria saw less action in the opposition half. DR Congo, on the other hand, often searched for opportunities in transition.
Nigeria looked more defensive as the second half ticked down, with DR Congo probing inside the opposition half. Nonetheless, both goalkeepers appeared to have been mere spectators with 80 minutes on the clock.
DR Congo came agonisingly close to taking the lead in the 83rd minute after Stanley Nwabali fluffed his lines with a poor pass inside the area.
However, after intercepting the ball inside the box, the Leopards were unable to profit from the goalkeeper’s mistake.
With neither side able to break the 1-1 scoreline after 90 minutes, the game eventually went into extra time in Rabat.
DR Congo dominated for the majority of the extra-time period and seemed to have taken the lead in the 109th minute. After positive play on the left flank, Nwabali was reduced to collecting a loose ball directed toward goal, which appeared to have crossed the line. However, the referee waved off the appeal, much to DR Congo’s frustration.
After a gruelling contest in regulation time, the game went into the dreaded penalty shootout. Extra-time substitute Timothy Fayulu proved to be the hero for DR Congo on the night after pulling off two saves to deny Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi as the Leopards advanced to the Inter-confederation Playoffs
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