A stunning free kick from Francis Nganga enabled Congo to secure their place at the Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time since 2000 after they beat Sudan 1-0 at the Khartoum Stadium on Wednesday night.
The victory propelled the 1972 AFCON champions into second place in Group A of the 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, two points above Nigeria, and two points behind group winners South Africa.
The first half had been a cagey and uninspiring affair; despite still being in with a chance of qualification, there was little urgency shown by Claude Le Roy’s Congo side, who dominated early possession but failed to make any inroads into the Sudan defence.
It was the home side who had the best and indeed only chance of the opening 20 minutes when Omer Mohamed’s free kick located Nasreldin Omer at the back post, the latter somehow sending his side-footed shot wide from only five yards out with the goal at his mercy.
The first half ended with two more good chance for Sudan, but Salah Ibrahim miscued a half volley after being clean in on goal, while Mudather Ibrahim went wide with a near post volley after Eltaher Hassan’s cross from the right.
Having been second best for the first half, the Congolese came out looking far more purposeful after the restart.
And they were to take the lead on the hour mark in sensational style when defender Nganga scored with a swerving and dipping free kick from well over 30-yards out.
It was nearly 2-0 just a few minutes later when Ferebory Dore burst clean through on goal, but the powerful striker smashed his parting shot against the crossbar.
Sudan ensured there was to be a tense finish for the Red Devils as Salah broke into the box before shaving his 82nd minute shot saved by Congo keeper Christoffer Mafoumbi, before a late goalmouth scramble again denied the east African side an equalizer.