PLAY-OFFS: Leopards stop Super Eagles  in penalty shootout

Democratic Republic of Congo kept alive hopes of a World Cup place as they edged Nigeria 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra time to win the African qualifying playoffs in Morocco last night.

DR Congo now await the draw on Thursday for the inter-confederation playoff in March where six teams will chase two places at the 48-team finals.

Captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive kick after Congolese substitute goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu, brought on a minute before the shootout, made two saves in the shootout.

Frank Onyeka had Nigeria ahead in the third minute but Meschack Elia equalised for the two sides to be level 1-1 after extra time.