Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Comoros win to improve World Cup qualification chances in Group I
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Comoros win to improve World Cup qualification chances in Group I

Comoros climbed to second place in Group I after defeating the Central African Republic (CAR) 2–0 on Sunday. This win puts them just one point behind group leaders Ghana as the CAF World Cup qualifying round continues.

This match, held in Meknès, was the only CAF World Cup qualifier played on Sunday. The victory eliminates CAR from contention for the 2026 World Cup. The Comoros team bounced back from a recent 3–0 loss to Mali.

CAR started the game strong, nearly scoring when Moustapha Djimet’s header hit the post in the 15th minute.

Comoros found their rhythm and scored with their first real opportunity. Youssouf M’Changama received a simple pass from Myziane Maolida and fired a powerful shot from a distance into the net at the 20-minute mark.

Nine minutes before halftime, Comoros doubled their lead. Faïz Selemani created space on the right and crossed the ball low into the box. Maolida, holding off his defender, finished expertly to make it 2–0.

After halftime, CAR pushed hard for a goal but struggled to create clear chances. Comoros’ defence handled CAR’s attacks well.

With this win, Comoros has 15 points from eight matches, while Ghana leads with 16 points from seven. Madagascar has 13 points, and Mali has 12 points, both from seven games. CAR is fifth with 5 points from eight, and Chad is last with 1 point from seven.

Only group winners automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, while the four best runners-up enter an African playoff for a place in FIFA’s inter-confederation tournament. Every point in the remaining matches is crucial.

Upcoming matches on Monday include Ghana vs. Mali in Accra and Madagascar vs. Chad in Antananarivo, which could further impact the standings.

For Comoros, this victory is a strong response after a previous defeat and brings them closer to their first World Cup appearance, while CAR aims to finish the campaign with pride.

Wan-Bissaka makes DR Congo debut in World Cup qualifying win over South Sudan
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Wan-Bissaka makes DR Congo debut in World Cup qualifying win over South Sudan

West Ham United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka made his international debut for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) during their victory over South Sudan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Friday.

With a real chance, this win propelled the Leopards to 16 points, leaving them a point clear of both Senegal on 15 and four of Sudan, thereby keeping qualification in their own hands.

Match Result: South Sudan 1 – 4 DR Congo (Group B)

DR Congo delivered a commanding away performance, solidifying their lead in Group B. Cédric Bakambu set the tone with two goals, netting the first in the 13th minute from a cross by Arthur Masuaku Kayembe and scoring again in the 36th minute, putting the Leopards firmly in control.

Nathanaël Mbuku added a third goal in first-half stoppage time (45+1’) with a pass from Yoane Wissa. Wissa then scored himself with a low finish in the 57th minute before Kuol Majak pulled one back for South Sudan in the 68th minute.

DR Congo managed the closing stages of the match comfortably, rotating their forward line to conserve energy for their upcoming fixtures.

Born in Croydon, Wan-Bissaka initially played for DR Congo at the U20 level before switching to England for U20 and U21 teams, including participation in the 2019 UEFA European U21 Championship.

He has now opted for a senior career with DR Congo, who aim to qualify for the World Cup for only the second time since 1974.

DR Congo will face Senegal on Tuesday as El Hadji Malick Diouf’s side will look to overtake DRC in crucial CAF Group B qualifiers in early September.

Sierra Leone’s U20 defender joins Austria Liga 2 side SW Bregenz
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s U20 defender joins Austria Liga 2 side SW Bregenz

Sierra Leone U20 Cup of Nations defender Saidu Musa Jones has signed his first professional contract with Austrian Liga 2 side SW Bregenz until 2027.

“We are happy to announce that we have signed Saidu Musa Jones Bangura, a 19-year-old defensive player. He will be with us until 2027,” the Austrian side noted on social media.

“It feels good and shows that every sacrifice that I have made was worth it,” he told this medium. The young Sierra Leone defender could make his debut on the 13th September against Admira Wacker.

Jones, who spent the last five seasons with Sierra Leone champions East End Lions, where he helped the team win the Leone Rock Premier League title, which ran from December 2024 to August 2025, has been handed a new adventure to succeed.  

Saidu has also been selected for the Sierra Leone national team for the U20 Africa Cup. He played 90 minutes in 3 out of 4 group games and another 120 minutes in the exciting quarterfinals against Morocco, who were the eventual finalists.

“Now, this young defensive player has the chance to prove himself in Europe and advance his career with our team. We wish Jones good luck.”

Senegal defeat Sudan to close gap on DR Congo in qualifiers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Senegal defeat Sudan to close gap on DR Congo in qualifiers

Senegal won 2-0 against Sudan on Friday, September 5, 2025, in Diamniadio during the 7th round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

This victory brings the Lions of Teranga closer within a point to the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are at the top of Group B.

The game took place at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium and featured the second and third-placed teams in Group B. Senegal took control early in the match.

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly scored the first goal with a powerful header from a cross by Krepin Diatta in the 14th minute, marking the start of Senegal’s strong performance.

Senegal quickly increased their lead. Just before halftime, Koulibaly assisted Pape Matar Sarr, who scored a stunning goal in the 41st minute to make it 2-0.

Sudan tried to score but could not find the net. Sadio Mané and the rest of the Senegal team managed to maintain their two-goal lead until the end. With this win, Senegal now has 15 points, tying with Sudan, while DR Congo leads the group with 16 points after their 4-0 win against South Sudan.

Morocco book 2026 World Cup spot after win over 10-Nigger
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco book 2026 World Cup spot after win over 10-man Niger

Morocco became the first African nation to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after thrashing 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat, marking its first three consecutive World Cups.

The Atlas Lions, who made history by reaching the semi-finals at Qatar 2022, understood that earning three points would be sufficient to advance from Group E with two matches remaining after Tanzania could only manage a 1-1 draw in Congo-Brazzaville earlier that Friday.

Niger’s Abdoul-Latif Goumey received his second yellow card and was sent off in the 26th minute, and three minutes later, Ismael Saibari scored from Youssef Belammari’s cross to give Morocco the lead.

Saibari increased the advantage before halftime by tapping in a low pass from Achraf Hakimi, and Ayoub El Kaabi added the third goal early in the second half from another precise delivery by Belammari.

Former Rangers player Hamza Igamane came off the bench to net his first international goal with a well-executed corner routine, and Azzedine Ounahi capped off the scoreline with a curling shot.

It marked a flawless evening for Morocco as they played in the inaugural match at the renovated Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which will host the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations next January and will be utilized when the nation co-hosts the 2030 World Cup.

Eight additional group winners in African qualifying will be guaranteed to join the Atlas Lions at the 2026 tournament, while the four best-performing runners-up will enter playoffs for a chance to participate in an intercontinental competition.

Morocco at the FIFA World Cup

First appearance: Mexico 1970 Appearances: 7 (1970, 1986, 1994, 1998, 2018, 2022, 2026) Best result: Fourth-place (2022)

Omar Marmoush on target as Egypt maintain Group A lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Omar Marmoush on target as Egypt maintain Group A lead

Omar Marmoush netted a penalty as Egypt secured a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia, reinforcing their dominance in the World Cup qualifier held at Cairo International Stadium on Friday.

Marmoush contributed to the team’s hyper-attacking midfield, playing the first 63 minutes alongside striker Osama Faisal.

Liverpool star Mo Salah kicked off the scoring with a penalty just before half-time, with Marmoush following suit from 12 yards on the brink of the whistle.

With this win, Egypt solidifies their stronghold in Group A of the African qualifying rounds for next summer’s FIFA World Cup. They now sit comfortably on 19 points from seven matches, five points clear of second-place Burkina Faso, with three games remaining.

Egypt’s next challenge comes against Burkina Faso, who will host them in Ouagadougou on Tuesday, September 9.

Since joining City in January, Marmoush has found the back of the net eight times in 27 appearances and has now scored seven goals in 38 matches for his national team.

Yankuba Minteh helps Gambia seal win World Cup qualifying over Kenya
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Yankuba Minteh helps Gambia seal World Cup qualifying win over Kenya

Gambia achieved a significant victory over Kenya, defeating them 3-1 in a match played at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Friday.

The Gambia team took the lead early in the game, scoring their first goal in the 12th minute when Saidy Sinyan converted a delivery from Yankuba Minteh.

Minteh himself then increased the lead to 2-0 by scoring in the 26th minute, finishing a quick counterattack initiated by a through-ball from Musa Barrow that split the Kenyan defense. Barrow added a third goal in the 38th minute, directing the ball inside the near post, much to the dismay of the home crowd.

After the halftime break, Kenya attempted to rally and managed to score in the 81st minute when Rodgers Ogam capitalized on a cross from Sven Yidah Owino. However, Gambia’s early lead proved insurmountable.

This victory allowed Gambia to accumulate seven points in the group standings, placing them ahead of Kenya, which has six points. Gabon currently leads the group with 18 points, followed closely by Côte d’Ivoire with 16 points, with three matches remaining in the group stage.

Guinea beat Somalia to strengthen its qualifying chances
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea beat Somalia to strengthen its qualifying chances

Guinea’s national football team, the Syli National, triumphed over Somalia with a convincing 2-0 victory in a crucial Group G World Cup qualification match held at the picturesque Namboole Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.

The match saw Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy break the deadlock, scoring a well-placed opener for the West African side as they headed into the second half with a crucial one-goal advantage.

As the match approached its conclusion, Ousmane Camara sealed the victory for Guinea with a deft strike during extra time. This impressive win propelled the Guinean squad up to third place in the group standings, reigniting their hopes for World Cup qualification.

Algeria have reasserted control with 18 points, but Mozambique remain close enough to keep pressure high with 12 points. Botswana and Uganda are level and dangerous, while the win for Guinea was a statement win to re-join the top-two conversation.

With Algeria facing Botswana before travelling to Conakry, the leaders cannot afford any dip in intensity.

Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Cape Verde and Libya all register wins
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Equatorial Guinea, Madagascar, Cape Verde and Libya register wins

Roundup of the ongoing 2026 CAF World Cup qualifiers as Equatorial Guinea made a stunning comeback to win 3–2 against São Tomé and Príncipe after trailing 2–0 at halftime. Sierra Leone drew 1-1 in Bissau, leading to key developments in Groups H, I, A, and D of the 2026 CAF World Cup qualifiers.

Group A – Guinea-Bissau 1–1 Sierra Leone

Guinea-Bissau managed to earn a draw against Sierra Leone after falling behind just before halftime. Sierra Leone scored in the 45+1 minute when K. Kamara finished a quick attack.

Guinea-Bissau made three changes in the second half, and Mama Baldé equalised in the 73rd minute after sustained pressure. Both teams sought a late winner, but the draw leaves Sierra Leone with eight points and Guinea-Bissau with seven, while Egypt leads the group with 16 points.

Group H – São Tomé and Príncipe 2–3 Equatorial Guinea

São Tomé started strong, scoring two goals in the first half. Lumungo converted a penalty in the 8th minute and scored another one in the 42nd minute, with Reis Tavares Semedo adding a goal in the 37th minute, making it 2–0.

However, Equatorial Guinea turned things around after halftime. Pablo Ganet scored in the 53rd minute to cut the deficit, Iban Salvador equalized in the 62nd minute, and Nabil completed the comeback with a goal in the 70th minute.

This victory puts Equatorial Guinea in a good position for the runners-up spot, trailing only leaders Tunisia and second-place Namibia, while São Tomé remains at the bottom without any points.

Group I – Madagascar 2–0 Central African Republic

Madagascar secured a solid win that boosts their chances in Group I. Caddy scored just before halftime in the 45+2 minute, and Randrianantenaina added another goal in the 59th minute.

Both goals came from good plays by Raheriniaina, who assisted both scores. Madagascar played strong defensively and managed their lead comfortably. This win brings Madagascar to 13 points, closing in on leaders Ghana, who have 16 points.

Group D – Angola 0–1 Libya; Mauritius 0–2 Cape Verde

Libya achieved an important away win against Angola, scoring right after halftime. Ezo El Mariamy found the net in the 48th minute from a low cross. Despite making substitutions to improve their attack, Angola struggled to create clear chances against Libya’s disciplined defense.

A late yellow card for Saleh in the 90+7 minute highlighted the match’s intensity as Libya secured their three points. Meanwhile, Cape Verde defeated Mauritius 2–0, maintaining their top position in the group ahead of an upcoming match against Cameroon. This result tightens the competition for qualification in the group.

Group A: Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone divide the points; Egypt and Burkina Faso maintain a solid lead at the top.  

Group D: Cape Verde stays in the lead following their victory in Mauritius, whereas Libya’s win in Angola keeps their hopes alive.  

Group H: Equatorial Guinea’s resurgence brings them to 10 points, providing a timely boost to their campaign behind Tunisia (19) and Namibia (12).  

Group I: Madagascar advances to 13 points, positioned between Ghana (16) and Comoros (12), while Mali (9) remains a potential threat.  

With one more match day remaining in this window, narrow margins—especially among the runners-up—could ultimately determine who stays in contention for North America.

Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone share points in World Cup qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone share points in World Cup qualifier

Sierra Leone and Guinea-Bissau battled to a tense 1-1 draw in their quest for a coveted spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, held at the vibrant Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro on Thursday.

The opening half was charged with intensity as both teams sought to establish dominance, with the home side employing a relentless high press that set the tone for the match.

OCG Nice’s defender Abdulai Juma Bah had to be substituted early in the second half after picking up an injury. The first significant opportunity of the match came from Mama Balde, whose powerful strike was expertly saved by Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper, Alhaji Sesay, signalling a bright start for the home team.

As the match neared halftime, Sierra Leone began to find their groove. The crowd was stunned when veteran striker Kei Kamara leapt above the defenders to deliver a brilliant header from a distance, sending the ball crashing into the net and lifting the spirits of their fans just before the break.

The second half saw Guinea-Bissau come back with renewed vigour. After a series of missed chances, Mama Balde struck the equaliser in the 74th minute, firing a powerful shot from inside the box that bulged the net, sparking wild celebrations among the travelling supporters and levelling the score at 1-1.

As the game progressed, both teams made strategic substitutions; Kamara and Augustus Kargbo made way for Mohamed Buya Turay and Momoh Kamara. Emmanuel Samsadi’s well-taken free kick was skillfully parried away by the agile home goalkeeper. Ultimately, neither side could find a breakthrough.

In the group stage, Egypt leads the table with 16 points and will host fifth-placed Ethiopia on Friday at the Cairo Stadium, while Burkina Faso, sitting in second with 11 points, will head to Djibouti, who are at the bottom of the group.