DRC edged Libya 2-1 in the penultimate round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Stade Mustapha Ben Jannet Monastir, Tunisia Saturday to keep slim hopes alive.
Villarreal on form striker Cedric Bakabu broke the deadlock in the 50th from a goalmouth scrabble but El Masrati restored parity in the 69th minute.
Firmin Mubele grabbed the winner in the 74th minute.
DRC remain three points behind Group A leaders Tunisia in the race for the single group’s ticket.
The Carthage Eagles thumped Guinea 4-1 at 28 September Stadium, Conakry in the other match of the day and will only need a draw in their last match against Libya in November to reach Russia.
DRC will host Guinea in Kinshasa in the same month in their last fixture as the pray for Libya to upset the Tunisians away.
Only Nigeria have booked a ticket to Russia after edging Zambia 1-0 in Uyo earlier today.
Egypt could book the other African spot tomorrow if the beat Congo Brazzaville at home.