Month: April 2026

Burundi and Ethiopia progress to Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Burundi and Ethiopia progress to Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers

Burundi and Ethiopia secured spots in the next round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers with strong performances on Tuesday.

Burundi defeated Chad 4-0, winning 8-0 On aggregate, while Ethiopia beat Sao Tome and Principe 1-0, advancing with a 4-0 aggregate score.

Burundi’s Strong Win Over Chad  

Burundi dominated Chad, following their 4-0 win in the first leg. They took control early, with Bienvenue Kanakimana scoring twice in the first half. Justin Girumugisha added a goal in the 70th minute, and Abdoul Karim scored the final goal. Burundi’s performance ensured its advancement to the next stage.

Ethiopia’s Solid Win at Home

Ethiopia continued their strong form with a 1-0 win at home, having already won 3-0 in the first leg. Chernet Gugsaa scored early, sealing Sao Tome’s hopes of a comeback. Ethiopia managed the match well, keeping their opponents at bay.

Looking Ahead

Both teams capitalised on their first-leg advantages, allowing them to play confidently in the second matches. Moving on is a significant step toward reaching the AFCON 2027 finals, hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. With improved performances, both teams aim to carry their momentum into the tougher rounds ahead.

DR Congo picks up Africa's final 2026 World Cup spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo pick up Africa’s final 2026 World Cup spot

After 52 years since their last World Cup participation as Zaire in the 1974 finals in West Germany, where they fell to Scotland, Yugoslavia, and Brazil, the central African country is set to make their return.

In an intercontinental playoff going to extra time, the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated Jamaica 1–0 on Tuesday.

From a corner in the 100th minute, Burnley defender Axel Tuanzebe scored the game-winning goal, hence guaranteeing Congo’s place in Group K against Portugal, Colombia, and Uzbekistan.

Having eliminated African powerhouses Nigeria and Cameroon to get to this playoff in Mexico, the Leopards’ path to the World Cup has been spectacular.

Though DR Congo dominated possession throughout the game versus Jamaica and battled to breach a strong defence, an early goal was disallowed for offside, and despite the continued threat of Cedric Bakambu, Jamaica had only one significant opportunity.

Tuanzebe finally found the net in extra time following a few near misses, giving Congo the lead and a historic return to the World Cup.