CAF World Cup Qualifiers: Morocco and Ivory Coast Secure Slim Wins, Ghana Shines

Egypt’s captain, Mohamed Salah, found the back of the net as his side cruised to a 2-0 win against Ethiopia in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday. Meanwhile, 2022 semi-finalists Morocco scraped a late victory over underdogs Niger, thanks to a late goal from Bilal El Khannouss.

Zizo added Egypt’s second goal, allowing them to establish a formidable five-point advantage in Group A at the midway stage of the qualification process.

Earlier, Burkina Faso triumphed over Djibouti with a convincing 4-1 scoreline, elevating them to second place in the group.

The top side from each of the nine groups will secure a spot in the finals, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, while the four best runners-up will enter a challenging inter-continental playoff for one additional slot.

Morocco enjoyed the benefit of playing their ‘away’ match against Niger at home in Oujda, as their opponents lacked appropriate stadiums for international fixtures.

However, they required an equaliser from Ismael Saibari just after the hour mark, followed by a stoppage-time winner from El Khannouss to claim victory and maintain a six-point lead over second-placed Niger in Group E.

In South Africa, Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams netted their first international goals, leading the home side to a 2-0 victory against neighbours Lesotho, which saw South Africa ascend to the top of Group C.

Next, South Africa will face second-placed Benin in a neutral venue in Abidjan on Tuesday, where coach Hugo Broos’ team could extend their lead in the group.

Nigeria finally secured their first victory of the qualification campaign, triumphing 2-0 against Rwanda in Kigali. Victor Osimhen netted both goals, bringing Nigeria’s total to six points, trailing South Africa by four.

Ghana, who missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this year, climbed to the summit of their qualification group with a resounding 5-0 win over Chad in Accra.

Antoine Semenyo, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Salisu, and Ernest Nuamah all contributed to the scoreline, placing Ghana two points ahead of Madagascar in Group I.

Ivory Coast Takes the Lead

Ivory Coast moved to the top of their group with a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi in a match held in Morocco.

Evann Guessand scored his debut goal for the Ivorians, sealing the match in their favour.

In another match, Mohamed Amoura scored twice as Algeria defeated Botswana 3-1 to take pole position in Group G, ahead of Mozambique on goal difference, with Amine Gouiri netting the opener.

Guinea was frustrated in a goalless draw against the lowly Somalia in neutral Abidjan, hampering their qualification hopes.

The Democratic Republic of Congo edged past South Sudan with a solitary goal from Theo Bongonda, allowing them to sit second in Group B, chasing leaders Sudan, who are set to face Senegal on Saturday.

Emilio Nsue made a successful return to the Equatorial Guinea lineup, scoring in their 2-0 victory over the diminutive Sao Tome and Principe. Nsue recently served a six-month ban imposed by FIFA for being deemed ineligible to represent the central African nation, despite being their all-time leading scorer.