2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Late drama for Nigeria – South Africa, Sudan Vital points at Home
Nigeria’s hopes of climbing up Group C were dented as they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 1-1 with Zimbabwe in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 74th minute, heading home after sustained pressure. The Galatasaray striker looked to have sealed a much-needed win for Nigeria.
However, Tawanda Chirewa stunned the home crowd with a precise 90th-minute strike to level the score, leaving goalkeeper Francis Uzoho rooted.
The result sees Nigeria remain off the pace in the race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, failing to overtake second-placed Benin in the group standings.
South Africa claimed a vital 2-0 away win over Benin to tighten their grip on top spot in Group C.
After a goalless first half, Lyle Foster pounced in the 53rd minute to put Bafana Bafana ahead. Jayden Adams added a second with a clinical finish on the break in the 84th minute to seal the result.
The win takes South Africa to 13 points at the summit of the group, five clear of second-placed Benin who now face an uphill battle to stay in contention.
Allan Okello’s first-half goal proved the difference as Uganda beat Guinea 1-0 to climb to third in Group G.
Okello found the net in the 36th minute, capitalising on a rare opening in a game dominated by midfield battles.
Guinea pressed for an equaliser in the second half but were unable to break down Uganda’s resilient backline. The result lifts Uganda to 9 points, leapfrogging Guinea, who remain on 7.
Rwanda missed the chance to go second in their group after settling for a 1-1 draw against Lesotho.
Jules Kwizera opened the scoring for the hosts in the 58th minute, finishing off a flowing move. But Lesotho responded in the 82nd minute when Lethabo Fothoane capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire home the equaliser.
The point leaves both sides locked on 8 points, with goal difference separating them in Group C standings.
Cape Verde pulled off a big win in the Lusophone derby, beating Angola 2-1 to take control of Group D.
Dailon Livramento scored twice – once just before the break and again in the 63rd minute – to secure a famous victory.
Angola had levelled briefly through Gelson Dala five minutes into the second half, but Cape Verde’s second goal proved decisive.
The Blue Sharks now lead Group D with 13 points, four ahead of Cameroon who have a game in hand.
Egypt maintained their Group A lead when they edged a well-prepared Sierra Leone to extend their group lead to five points ahead of Burkina Faso who are on 11 points.
Ahmed Sayed’s strike just before the recess was all it took for the Pharaohs to clinch a victory that sees them make it five impressive wins out of six matches, as Sierra Leone lose ground on the qualification race.
In Group B, Sudan lost out on an opportunity to maintain control of the group after being held by a resilient South Sudan.
With victory well in sight following Mohamed Eisa’s 76th minute strike, David Sebit cancelled out the lead in the dying minutes to see the two sides share the spoils, a result that opens up an opportunity for DR Congo to narrow the gap.
Meanwhile in Yaounde, the Indomitable Lions put three past Libya to secure an important 3-1 victory to keep the pressure on Cape Verde.
A Vincent Aboubakar brace coupled with Byan Mbeumo’s 53rd minute strike was enough to secure victory for the Indomitable Lions as they continue to chase a top finish in Group D.
In Group F, Burundi maintained their glimmer of hope with a commanding 5-0 win over Seychelles to climb up to third place, with six points separating them from leaders, Cote d’Ivoire.
Another interesting result came out in Francistown when Botswana, overcame Somalia 2-0 to joining Uganda on the same points who earlier overcame Guinea by a solitary goal.
