Category: Sport News

Uganda keep tabs on Algeria in Group G race for top spot

Uganda keep tabs on Algeria in Group G race for top spot

Uganda kept their hopes alive following matchday eight of Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Group G as Algeria settled for a draw against Guinea.

Malawi staged a strong comeback against Liberia, Madagascar triumphed over Chad, and Guinea-Bissau found new optimism with their victory against Djibouti.

In the match between Uganda and Somalia, Uganda emerged victorious with a score of 2–0. Scorers: Allan Okello (6 pen), Jude Ssemugabi (39) – responding to Mozambique’s earlier win, Uganda clinched a crucial victory in Kira Town.

Allan Okello netted a penalty just six minutes into the game, and Jude Ssemugabi followed up with another goal before the halftime whistle. This win places Uganda level on points with Mozambique in second place in Group G, trailing only leaders Algeria – a team they will face in a pivotal match next month.

Guinea 0–0 Algeria

Algeria’s usually strong offence struggled in Casablanca. They did not score in a World Cup qualifier for the first time in 37 matches. Guinea’s goalkeeper, Alexis Guendouz, performed well, while Mohamed Amoura missed Algeria’s best chance. Djamel Belmadi’s team remains at the top of Group G with 19 points, but needs to wait until October to secure qualification.

Malawi 2–2 Liberia

Scorers: Gabadinho Mhango (72), Chawanangwa Kawonga (80) for Malawi; Ayouba Kosiah (4, 61) for Liberia  

Ayouba Kosiah scored twice for Liberia, including a bicycle kick in the fourth minute, putting them ahead. However, Malawi fought back. Gabadinho Mhango reduced the gap before Chawanangwa Kawonga equalised eight minutes later, earning a point for Malawi in a thrilling match.

Madagascar 3–1 Chad

Scorers: Warren Caddy (51), Rayan Raveloson (68), Hakim Abdallah (90+3) for Madagascar; Yves Allarabaye (24) for Chad  

Chad took the lead with a goal from Yves Allarabaye. However, Madagascar rallied after halftime. Warren Caddy equalised, Rayan Raveloson put them ahead, and Hakim Abdallah scored in stoppage time to secure the win. This victory places Madagascar at the top of their group alongside Ghana with three games left to play.

Guinea-Bissau register second World Cup qualifying win in Group A

Guinea-Bissau register second World Cup qualifying win in Group A

On Monday, Guinea-Bissau improved its chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by earning a 2-0 win against Djibouti at the Estádio 24 de Setembro.

Following a 1-1 draw with Sierra Leone, new coach Emiliano Té led his team to their second win in the qualifiers after eight matches.

The victory came thanks to two second-half goals: Iano Inbeni scored in the 52nd minute, followed by a header from Fali Cande in the 82nd minute, much to the delight of the home fans.

As a result, the win moves them into third in Group A, at least until Sierra Leone faces Ethiopia on Tuesday in the Liberian capital, Monrovia.

With two international windows remaining, nine CAF group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, and the four best runners-up will enter a playoff.

Morocco and Tunisia lead the way as qualified teams ahead of the final rounds. 

The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia book 2026 World Cup ticket

The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia book 2026 World Cup ticket

North African nation, Tunisia, has qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a late 1-0 win against Equatorial Guinea.

Tunisia has secured its spot in the World Cup for the seventh time, achieving this with a last-minute goal from Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane. They are the second African team to qualify, following Morocco, who won 2-0 in Zambia.

They sit at 22 points from eight matches and cannot be caught by Namibia, which has 12 points. Notably, Tunisia has not conceded any goals during qualifying, boasting a goal difference of 13:0.

Equatorial Guinea managed to hold off Tunisia for most of the match, using late set pieces that forced Tunisia to defend.

Aymen Dahmen received a yellow card for time-wasting but played well behind a solid defence led by Montassar Talbi and Dylan Bronn.

Equatorial Guinea has 10 points from eight matches and, along with Liberia and Malawi, needs a strong finish to keep its qualification hopes alive. São Tomé and Príncipe are at the bottom of the group with no points.

In Group E, Morocco secured a 2-0 win over Zambia, with goals from Youssef En-Nesyri and Hamza Igamane. Morocco leads the group with 21 points, having scored 21 goals and conceded only 2. Tanzania holds 10 points, while Zambia and Niger have 6 points, and Congo has just 1 point.

In Group G, Mozambique’s 2-0 victory against Botswana keeps their hopes alive, bringing them to 15 points. They are three points behind leaders Algeria and ahead of Uganda. Witi and Feliciano “Bangal” Jone scored for Mozambique, while Botswana has 9 points and Guinea sits at 10 points.

With two international windows left, nine CAF group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup, and the four best runners-up will enter a playoff. Morocco and Tunisia lead the way as most teams have three matches remaining.

Confirmed - Tyrese Fornah to miss Ethiopia crucial contest

Confirmed – Tyrese Fornah to miss Ethiopia crucial contest

Northampton Town FC’s Tyrese Fornah has returned to England to address a family emergency, as confirmed by the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA).

Sierra Leone played to a 1-1 draw against Guinea-Bissau, with striker Kei Kamara scoring a long-range header, which was equalised by Bissau captain Mama Balde.

Fornah, 25, was instrumental in the draw against Bissau at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro on Thursday, and his absence will be crucial in Tuesday’s clash with The Walia Ibex.

Ahead of their match against Ethiopia, head coach Mohamed Kallon is continuing preparations for the crucial Matchday Eight World Cup qualifiers, scheduled to be held in the Liberian capital on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Leone Stars’ camp in Monrovia has been revitalised by the arrival of Musa Kamara (Ports Authority striker) and Mohamed Kamara (Bai Bureh Warriors). These midfielders have joined the team in advance of the important FIFA World Cup Qualifier against Ethiopia.

In another development, Guinea-Bissau could surpass Sierra Leone in Group A with a win against Djibouti later this afternoon.

Ghana face Mali in a crucial Group I World Cup qualifier in Accra

Ghana set for Mali cracker in crucial Group I tie in Accra

Ghana is set to reignite their fierce rivalry with Mali in the Group I qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This exciting showdown will take place on Monday in Accra, the capital and largest city of Ghana, at the Accra Sports Stadium, which boasts a capacity of 40,000 spectators.

Having recorded five wins, one draw and a defeat, the Black Stars are unbeaten in their last two games in the competition from Group I.

With 16 points from seven games, Ghana is at the top of the Group I standings; the West African giants will book their finals position if they collect at least seven points in their final three games.

“I can’t claim we played well or perfectly since it was a draw [against Chad]. The outcome is all. Ghana coach Otto Addo informed reporters. “We had a lot of corners; we did nothing from that.”

Usually, we win this game; this season, we had many shots, shots on goal, and a lot of ball possession. Ultimately, surely, it is not good enough,h and we have to develop, above all, in our implementation.”

Mali, on the other hand, ended a two-match winless run across all events when they humiliated a hapless Comoros team 3-0 in a Group I match at home on September 4.

Having garnered 12 points from seven games, the Eagles are ranked third in the Group I standings. The West African team must win to have a decent chance of finishing in the top two positions as either group winners or as one of the four best runners-up; their final three games are must-wins.

Comoros win to improve World Cup qualification chances in Group I

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

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

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

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

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)