Congo beats Nigeria in penalty shootout to advance to World Cup intercontinental playoffs

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RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Congo advanced to the World Cup intercontinental playoffs after beating Nigeria in a Sunday night penalty shootout.

Chancel Mbemba struck the decisive spot kick to seal a 4-3 shootout victory for Congo after the final playoff match of African qualifying ended 1-1 after extra time in Rabat, Morocco.

Congo's victory secured its place in FIFA's six-team intercontinental playoff tournament in March that will send two teams to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Nigeria led after three minutes of the game through Frank Onyeka's goal before Mechak Elia leveled for Congo in the 32nd.

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, the leading scorer in the UEFA Champions League, was substituted at halftime.

Mbemba had scored in added time in Congo's 1-0 win against Cameroon on Thursday to secure a place in the final. This time he was the hero in the shootout.

Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia have already qualified for the World Cup from Africa.

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