The Indomitable Lions needed a victory in Morocco to keep their path to the 2026 tournament alive, but the tie remained tight and tense until the closing moments. With the match drifting towards extra-time, Chancel Mbemba stole in at the back post in the 91st minute, beating United loanee Andre Onana to send DR Congo into wild celebrations.

The late goal sparked despair among the Cameroon squad, with several players sinking to the turf at full-time. Mbeumo, who started the game and carried much of Cameroon’s attacking threat, cut a dejected figure as he walked down the tunnel. Footage online showed the 26-year-old brushing past cameras, offering only a brief handshake to a coach before heading straight inside.

DR Congo will now meet Nigeria in the final round of CAF qualifying, with the winners securing a spot in North America next summer.

For Mbeumo, the disappointment comes in the middle of a brilliant spell at club level. The United forward has been one of the Premier League’s standout performers this season, collecting October’s Player of the Month award and scoring four goals in his last four league outings including the opener in the 2–2 draw at Tottenham.

He is expected back at Carrington ahead of United’s clash with Everton after the international break, though his availability in the coming weeks remains uncertain. Mbeumo and teammate Amad Diallo are both set to miss several Premier League fixtures when they depart for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on 21 December.

United manager Ruben Amorim admitted losing two in-form attackers will be a significant challenge but insists the window it creates will benefit others.

“We know it will be difficult, but it’s also a chance,” Amorim said. “There are players training well who deserve opportunities. When they come in, they must show they can help the team.”

Despite Cameroon’s World Cup exit, Mbeumo returns to Manchester in strong form though with a heavy sense of what might have been on the international stage.