Morocco Secures 2026 World Cup Spot; Egypt, South Africa Close in on Qualification
The African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered a day of thrilling football as Morocco clinched their spot in the tournament with Egypt, South Africa edging closer to qualification. Here is a wrap of all the action on Friday.
Morocco 5 – 0 Niger
Morocco trounced 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat, becoming the first African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Ismael Saibari struck twice in the first half after Abdul-Latif Goumey was sent off, while second-half goals from Ayoub el Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi completed the rout. This sixth consecutive victory lifted Morocco to an unassailable 18 points, securing their seventh appearance at the World Cup with two matches to spare.
Egypt 2 – 0 Ethiopia
In Cairo, Egypt defeated Ethiopia 2-0, with Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush converting late first-half penalties. Egypt can join Morocco in the World Cup if they win their next match against second-placed Burkina Faso on Tuesday.
Djibouti 0 – 6 Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso overwhelmed Djibouti with a decisive 6-0 victory, scoring four goals before halftime. Constant Irie opened the scoring on 16 minutes, followed by Jean Tiendrebeogo and two quick goals from Edmond Tapsoba. Ouattara sealed the rout with a close-range finish and a late penalty, boosting Burkina Faso’s points and goal difference in Group A.
Lesotho 0 – 3 South Africa
South Africa maintained their lead in Group C with a professional 3-0 win over Lesotho. Hugo Broos’s side dominated the match, with goals from Maloisane Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis ensuring a solid performance, keeping Nigeria and Rwanda at bay as they aim for qualification.
Benin 1 – 0 Zimbabwe
Benin climbed to second place in Group C with a late strike from Steve Mounié, securing a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe. The result keeps Zimbabwe at the bottom of the group, while Benin inches closer to the automatic qualification spots.
Congo 1 – 1 Tanzania
Tanzania salvaged a late point with a 1-1 draw against Congo. After Congo took the lead with a goal from Dylan Moussavou, Salum Mwalimu equalized in the 84th minute, keeping Tanzania in contention for the runners-up spot behind Morocco.
Uganda 4 – 0 Mozambique
Uganda posted their best result of the campaign with a 4-0 win over Mozambique. Allan Okello broke the deadlock just after halftime, and goals from Rogers Mato, Travis Mutyaba, and Elia Capradossi completed the scoring.
Kenya 1 – 3 Gambia
Gambia stunned Kenya with three first-half goals in a 3-1 away victory. Saidy Sinyan opened the scoring, followed by Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow. Kenya managed a late response through Rodgers Ogam, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.
DR Congo 4 – 1 South Sudan
DR Congo continued their dominance in Group B with a convincing 4-1 win, featuring a brace from Cédric Bakambu. Nathanaël Mbuku and Yoane Wissa also scored, ensuring DR Congo remains firmly in control of their qualification fate.
Somalia 0 – 3 Guinea
Guinea kept their World Cup dreams alive with a 3-0 victory over Somalia, featuring goals from Serhou Guirassy, an own goal from Farhan Othman, and a late strike from Oumar Camara. This win positions Guinea third in Group G.
Namibia 1 – 2 Malawi
Malawi pulled off an upset by edging Namibia 2-1, reigniting their campaign. Rabson Mbulu and Gabadinho Mhango scored for Malawi, while Namibia’s late goal from Deon Ndeunyema wasn’t enough to change the result.
Senegal 2 – 0 Sudan
Senegal secured a solid 2-0 victory over Sudan, continuing their strong performance in the qualifiers and maintaining their position atop Group B.
Ivory Coast 1 – 0 Burundi
Ivory Coast edged out Burundi with a narrow 1-0 win, keeping their hopes alive in the qualification race.
Mauritania 2 – 0 Togo
Mauritania also impressed, securing a 2-0 victory over Togo to bolster their standing in Group A.
