2026 FIFA WCQ: Madagascar and Libya Shine; Equatorial Guinea Stages Dramatic Comeback
The latest round of CAF World Cup 2026 qualifiers saw thrilling results across various groups, with Madagascar, Libya, and Equatorial Guinea making headlines for their impressive performances.
Group H: Equatorial Guinea Stages Remarkable Comeback
Equatorial Guinea rallied from two goals down to secure a 3-2 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe. The hosts looked in command after a relentless first half, with Lumungo converting two penalties (8′, 42′) and Reis Tavares Semedo adding another goal (37′) to give São Tomé a 2-0 lead at halftime.
However, Equatorial Guinea regrouped during the break and came out firing in the second half. Pablo Ganet initiated the comeback with a low strike in the 53rd minute, followed by Iban Salvador equalizing just nine minutes later. Nabil completed the turnaround with the winner in the 70th minute, capping off an impressive performance that lifts Equatorial Guinea to 10 points in the group, behind Tunisia and Namibia.
Group I: Madagascar Secures Important Win
Madagascar continued their ascent in Group I with a solid 2-0 victory over the Central African Republic. Caddy broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time (45+2′), and Randrianantenaina doubled the lead in the 59th minute, both goals stemming from the creative efforts of Raheriniaina. With this win, Madagascar now sits at 13 points, closely trailing leaders Ghana (16) and maintaining pressure on Comoros (12).
Group A: Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone Share Spoils
Guinea-Bissau managed to salvage a point against Sierra Leone with a 1-1 draw. Sierra Leone took the lead just before halftime through K. Kamara’s goal (45+1′), but Guinea-Bissau equalized in the second half thanks to Mama Baldé (73′). This result keeps both teams in the chase, with Egypt (16) and Burkina Faso (11) still leading the group.
Group D: Libya and Cape Verde Forge Ahead
Libya earned a crucial away win against Angola, scoring the only goal of the match through Ezo El Mariamy in the 48th minute. Despite Angola’s attempts to press for an equalizer, they struggled to break through Libya’s disciplined defense.
In another match in the group, Cape Verde secured a 2-0 victory over Mauritius, solidifying their position at the top as they prepare for a critical showdown with Cameroon.
