There was a subtle Uganda connection in Sunday night’s FIFA World Cup playoff final between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in Morocco.
Nigeria, one of Uganda’s Group C opponents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, faced a familiar adversary.
DRC, managed by former Uganda Cranes head coach Sébastien Desabre. And it was Desabre who emerged victorious.
After a tense 1-1 draw through normal and extra time, DRC edged Nigeria 4-3 in the penalty shootout, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of World Cup qualification and keeping the Leopards’ dream alive.
For Desabre, this marks a significant milestone. The French coach, who guided Uganda to the 2019 AFCON Round of 16, is now steering DRC toward history.
They are set to compete in the inter-confederation playoffs, the final step before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
The draw for the six-team inter-confederation playoffs will be held on Thursday, with just two slots available for the expanded 48-team tournament.
DRC, who have not appeared at the World Cup since 1974, are now in contention to join the nine African nations that qualified directly.
Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, and Ivory Coast.
For Nigeria, it is another disappointment. Having last played at the World Cup in 2018 in Russia, the Super Eagles now face back-to-back misses.
Their next competitive outing will be at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they share Group C with Uganda, Tanzania, and Tunisia.
For Uganda, the outcome serves as a reminder of Desabre’s lasting influence.
The coach who once shaped the Cranes is now altering the African football landscape, and his former team will soon face one of the sides he helped challenge at the highest level.
