Group B: Senegal’s Dramatic Comeback and DR Congo’s Setback
The 2026 World Cup African qualifiers witnessed a thrilling encounter between Senegal and DR Congo in Kinshasa, culminating in a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Teranga Lions. The match began with DR Congo capitalizing on Senegal’s defensive vulnerabilities. A handling error by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy gifted Cédric Bakambu an opportunity, which he clinically converted to give the hosts an early lead. Yoane Wissa further extended DR Congo’s advantage, leaving Senegal reeling and facing a potential upset. However, the Lions roared back into contention, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess. Pape Gueye ignited the comeback with a powerful strike, injecting renewed hope into the Senegalese ranks. The momentum shift continued as Nicolas Jackson capitalized on a rebound to level the scores before half-time, setting the stage for a captivating second half. With the match hanging in the balance, Pape Matar Sarr emerged as the hero for Senegal, scoring the decisive goal three minutes from time to secure a hard-fought victory. This dramatic turnaround catapulted Senegal to the top of Group B, placing them in a commanding position ahead of their upcoming matches against South Sudan and Mauritania. Conversely, DR Congo now faces must-win encounters against Togo and Sudan to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
Group D: Cape Verde Stuns Cameroon, Tightening Grip on Top Spot
Cape Verde delivered a significant blow to Cameroon’s World Cup aspirations, securing a crucial 1-0 victory in Praia. The Blue Sharks showcased their tactical discipline and attacking efficiency to claim all three points. The decisive moment arrived early in the second half when Tino Livramento embarked on a breathtaking solo run from his own half, culminating in a low, driven shot past Cameroon goalkeeper André Onana. While Cameroon applied pressure throughout the match, Cape Verde’s resolute defense and goalkeeper Vozinha proved impenetrable. Jovane Cabral posed a constant threat for the Blue Sharks, while Onana was called upon to make several crucial saves, including a denial of Livramento in the opening stages. Cameroon’s Zambo Anguissa came close to equalizing just before the break, but Vozinha produced a remarkable save to preserve Cape Verde’s lead. Late attempts by Carlos Baleba and a last-minute set-piece involvement from Onana failed to breach the resilient Cape Verdean defense. This defeat marked Cameroon’s first setback under coach Marc Brys, adding further complexity to their qualification campaign. The Indomitable Lions now face a battle for second place, with Libya remaining a contender in the tightly contested Group D.
Group I: Stalemate in Ouagadougou as Egypt and Burkina Faso Draw
Egypt’s hopes of securing early qualification for the 2026 World Cup were dashed as they were held to a goalless draw by Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou. The Pharaohs dominated possession throughout the match but struggled to break down a resilient Burkinabe defense. An early injury to Omar Marmoush further hampered Egypt’s attacking fluidity, disrupting their offensive rhythm. Despite creating several opportunities, Egypt’s efforts were thwarted by a combination of resolute defending and missed chances. Mohamed Salah had a goal disallowed for offside, while Mostafa Mohamed fired wide late in the game, epitomizing Egypt’s frustrating evening. Bertrand Traoré spearheaded Burkina Faso’s late push for a winner, but neither side could find the breakthrough, resulting in a share of the spoils. This stalemate leaves Group I wide open with two games remaining, setting up a tense finale to the qualification campaign.
Group I: Togo Secures First Win, Boosting Morale, Sudan’s Hopes Fade
Togo registered their first victory in the 2026 World Cup African qualifiers, defeating Sudan 1-0 in Lomé. Khaled Fofana’s near-post header from an early corner provided the decisive moment for the Sparrowhawks, who defended resolutely to secure a much-needed win. While Togo missed opportunities to extend their lead in stoppage time, their defensive organization and determination ensured a morale-boosting result. This victory breathes new life into Togo’s campaign, albeit with their qualification hopes remaining slim. For Sudan, the defeat deals a significant blow to their World Cup aspirations, leaving them in a precarious position heading into the final qualifying window.
Group B: Nigeria and South Africa Share Spoils in Tense Draw
Nigeria and South Africa played out a 1-1 draw in a closely contested encounter in Uyo. Bafana Bafana took the lead through an own goal by Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong, who deflected a cross into his own net under pressure. However, the Super Eagles responded swiftly, equalizing before half-time. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s skillful play created the opportunity for Calvin Bassey to nod in a powerful header from close range, restoring parity to the scoreline. Both sides created chances in the second half, with Nigeria posing a greater threat on the counter-attack. However, South Africa’s resolute defense, backed by unwavering support from their travelling fans, held firm to secure a valuable point. The draw leaves South Africa in a strong position to top the group, while Nigeria may now need to win their remaining matches or face the prospect of a play-off route to secure World Cup qualification. The result highlights the competitive nature of Group B and sets up a thrilling conclusion to the qualification campaign.
