DR Congo Beat Benin to Reach African Playoffs
DR Congo reached the play-off phase of African World Cup qualifying when they defeated Benin 2-0 in Kinshasa on Sunday.
Bidding to reach a first World Cup since 1974, the Congolese took an early lead through a Dieumerci Mbokani penalty before Ben Malango sealed the win when heading home from close range after 74 minutes.
Captain Mbokani, 35, has belied his veteran status in this qualifying campaign with four goals in six games.
The victory enabled the Congolese to leapfrog their opponents at the top of Group J on the sixth and final round of games.
DR Congo take the fifth of 10 places available in the play-offs, with Egypt, Mali, Morocco and Senegal having also booked their berth in the third and final qualifying round.
Africa’s five World Cup representatives will be decided when the two-legged play-offs take place in March.
The Congolese finished the group with 11 points, one more than Benin, while Tanzania recorded eight and Madagascar four.
