MICHEL-ANGE BALIKWISHA is on the brink of completing a World Cup fairytale.
The Celtic winger, who cost £4.2million when he joined from Royal Antwerp in the summer, saw his request to switch his international allegiance from Belgium to DR Congo rubberstamped by FIFA on Tuesday.
Balikwisha was immediately called into the squad for the qualifying double-header against Cameroon and Nigeria.
The 24-year-old flanker was on the bench as DR Congo last night took a massive step towards the global showpiece in the USA, Canada and Mexico which kicks off in June.
GREEN FOR GO…Michel-Ange Balikwisha has his eyes on the World Cup Finals.
His new country overcame Cameron 1-0 with a stoppage-time goal from Chancel Mbemba to set up a meeting with Nigeria in the final of African play-offs.
The much-fancied opponents, known as The Indomitable Lions, hold the African record for the most appearances at the World Cup, with eight overall, but will be missing from the expanded 48-team tournament next year.
DR Congo’s sole appearance in the soccer showpiece came in 1974 when the country was called Zaire and they lost 2-0 in their opening game in West Germany to a Scotland team containing Danny McGrain, Davie Hay and Kenny Dalglish.
Balikwisha, a former Belgium youth international, is hoping to get the nod to start Sunday’s showdown against the Nigerians, who beat Gabon 4-1 after extra-time last night.
The winners of the continental Play-Off Final will progress to a six-team intercontinental qualifier, which will be held in March and will determine the final two nations at next year’s extravaganza.
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