Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s first appearance for DR Congo could hardly have been more dramatic, with the Celtic winger playing a vital part in pushing his new national team one step closer to the 2026 World Cup.

The £5m summer signing completed his switch of international allegiance from Belgium to DR Congo after months of waiting and was named on the bench for Friday’s qualifying clash against Nigeria.

The match proved to be a tense, exhausting battle. After 120 minutes, neither side could find a breakthrough, sending the tie to a penalty shootout with World Cup progression on the line.

Balikwisha stepped up for DR Congo’s fourth penalty and showed no sign of nerves. The Celtic winger coolly slotted his effort home, keeping his country alive and swinging momentum in their favour. DR Congo would eventually hold their nerve and progress.

The victory means DR Congo have secured a place in the inter-confederation play-off tournament, which will determine the final two qualifiers for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

They will join:

  • Bolivia

  • New Caledonia

  • The winner of Iraq vs UAE

  • Two CONCACAF nations still to be determined

Celtic may need to prepare for losing their winger during the AFCON and potentially the play-off window, but they will undoubtedly be delighted to see him making such an instant impact on the international stage.

Iheanacho and Tounekti will likely be away over the festive period, leaving a headache for whoever is in charge of those matches.

As things stand, talks are progressing well with Wilfried Nancy, and he could be appointed before Friday’s AGM.

It’s going to be a tension-filled day on Friday, but the board will hope a manager announcement will help ease the pressure on them, just a little.

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