Category: Football Africa

Gabon come from behind to defeat the Gambia in five-goal thriller
by FSL News

Gabon come from behind to defeat Gambia in five-goal thriller

Gabon completed an impressive comeback, defeating Gambia 3-2 in their World Cup qualifying fixture at Stade de Franceville.

The victory propelled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s team to second place in Group F, just one point behind leaders Ivory Coast.

Despite falling behind in the first half, Gabon rallied in the second half with goals from Jim Allevinah, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Denis Bouanga.

The Gambia fought back with a goal from Ebou Adams, but Gabon held on for the win.

The result puts Gabon in a strong position in the group, while Gambia sits in fourth place.

Meanwhile, Burundi are two points further back after their 3-1 win away against Seychelles in neutral Morocco.

Tuesday’s African World Cup qualifying results

  • South Sudan 0-3 Sudan (Group B)

  • Lesotho 0-1 Rwanda (Group C)

  • South Africa 3-1 Zimbabwe (Group C)

  • Angola 1-1 Cameroon (Group D)

  • Cape Verde 1-0 Libya (Group D)

  • Congo 0-6 Morocco (Group E)

  • Zambia 0-1 Tanzania (Group E)

  • Gabon 3-2 The Gambia (Group F)

  • Kenya 0-0 Ivory Coast (Group F)

  • Seychelles 1-3 Burundi (Group F)

  • Mauritius 2-1 Eswatini (Group G)

  • Chad 0-2 Comoros (Group I)

  • Madagascar 0-0 Mali (Group I)

Six-goal Morocco ease past Congo to maintain Group E lead
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Six-goal Morocco ease past Congo to maintain Group E lead

Morocco secured a resounding 6-0 victory over Congo at Stade Adrar during their third match of the CAF 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday evening.

The North Africans dominated Congo in their third World Cup qualifier, winning 6-0. Azzedine Ounahi and Chadi Riad scored early goals, while Ayoub El Kaabi completed a hat trick. This victory keeps Morocco at the top of Group E standings with nine points, while Tanzania is in second place with six points.

In Tuesday’s early Kickoff, there were several noteworthy events unfolding – Sudan secured a top position in Group B with a resounding 3-0 victory over South Sudan, with ten points from four games, overtaking Senegal. Meanwhile, South Sudan remains firmly at the bottom with just two points.

In Group F, Kenya and African champions Cote d’Ivoire played to a goalless draw. Cote d’Ivoire maintains their lead with ten points. Kenya moved up to third place with five points.

In the Group G encounter, Mauritius secured a 2-1 victory over Eswatini. This win places Mauritius in fifth place in the group with four points, while Eswatini remains at the bottom, still in search of their first point in the campaign.

The competition for the World Cup berths is intensifying as hopes of historic qualification are ignited among several team.

In Group I, Madagascar and Mali drew 0-0. Madagascar’s Louis Démoléon received a red card early on, leaving his team with ten men for over 70 minutes. Madagascar earned a valuable point, moving them to second place with seven points, while Mali is in fourth place with five points.

Nigeria stumbles to Benin Republic in Group C qualifier
by FSL News

Nigeria stumbles to Benin Republic in Group C qualifier

The Benin Republic made history on Monday by defeating the Super Eagles for the first time with a 2-1 win.

As a result, The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualification is now in jeopardy. With only three points from four World Cup qualification matches, Nigeria risks missing out on the next football tournament.

The Super Eagles were aiming for a victory after drawing with South Africa a few days earlier, and although the game started well for the Nigerians, they had to wait 25 minutes to take the lead.

Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge gave the Super Eagles the advantage by calmly slotting the ball home inside the box.

The Cheetahs of Benin, led by former Nigerian manager Gernot Rohr, scored to tie the game in the 37th minute through Jodei Dossou after a defensive mistake from the Super Eagles. They then extended Nigeria’s troubles with a goal from Steve Mounie just before halftime.

In the second half, Nigeria made some changes to try to find an equalizer, but the Cheetahs defended well to secure one of the biggest wins in football. After Monday’s result, Nigeria is currently in 5th place in the Group C qualification standings for the 2026 World Cup.

Recap: Ghana Survive CAR Scare as Mozambique Defeat Guinea
by FSL News

Recap: Ghana Survive CAR Scare as Mozambique Defeat Guinea

The Black Stars have been performing well in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They had a thrilling comeback win against Mali in Bamako, followed by a 4-3 victory against the Central African Republic in Kumasi on Monday, 10 June.

Jordan Ayew and Louis Mafouta both scored hat-tricks as Ghana secured the win. This victory came after their previous 2-1 triumph over Mali in Bamako.

Meanwhile, the Stallions of Burkina Faso were disappointed to drop points in a 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in Bamako, Mali.

In Group G, Mozambique surprised Guinea with a 1-0 win, earning maximum points on the road.

Ghana 4 – 3 Central African Republic

In a dramatic match, Ghana emerged victorious with a 4-3 win in Kumasi.

Burkina Faso 2 – 2 Sierra Leone

Burkina Faso missed an opportunity to close the gap with a 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in Bamako.

Guinea 0 – 1 Mozambique

Mozambique secured a 1-0 win over Guinea with a late goal by Geny Catamo.

10 June

Burkina Faso 2-2 Sierra Leone (Group A)

Guinea Bissau 1-1 Egypt (Group A)

Benin 2-1 Nigeria (Group C)

Guinea 0-1 Mozambique (Group G)

Uganda 1-2 Algeria (Group G)

Somalia 1-3 Botswana (Group G)

Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Malawi (Group H)

Ghana 4-3 Central African Republic (Group I)

Sheikh Sesay's last-minute goal helps Liberia win against Sao Tome
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sheikh Sesay’s last-minute goal helps Liberia defeat Sao Tome

Late Sheikh Sesay’s last-minute goal secured a 1-0 victory for Liberia against Sao Tome and Principe in their 2026 World Cup qualifier.

In the first Matchday 4 game, Liberia’s win moved them to third place in Group H with seven points, while Sao Tome and Principe remain at the bottom without any points after four matches.

The game saw both teams struggling to find a breakthrough in the first half, with few clear-cut chances created.

Liberia made crucial substitutions early in the second half to inject fresh energy into their side.

As the match seemed destined for a draw, Liberia’s decisive substitution of Sheikh Sesay for Terry Sackor proved to be a game-changer. In the 90th minute, Sesay scored a dramatic late goal, giving Liberia the lead and securing the three points.

Despite a late push from Sao Tome and Principe, Liberia held on for the victory, propelling them to third place in Group H. Sao Tome and Principe will need to regroup after another disappointing result.

In other Group H matches Namibia played to a goalless draw against group leaders Tunisia, while Equatorial Guinea and Malawi are set to face off on Monday.

Algeria's Lahlou Benbraham to officiate Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone
by FSL News

Algeria’s Lahlou Benbraham to officiate Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone

Algerian referee Lahlou Benbraham is the centre man to officiate the match between Burkina Faso and Sierra Leone on Monday’s Match Day four of the Fifa World Cup qualifier in Bamako, Mali.

Kickoff at the 26th of March Stadium is slated for 19.00 hours.

Experienced Benbraham, 38, who is also part official for the upcoming Olympic Football Tournaments Paris 2024, will be supported by fellow Algerian officials: Abane Adel as referee one, Bouzit Hamza as referee two, and Match official Boukhafa Nabil.

The match’s referee assessor is Aguidissou Crespin from Benin, and the match commissioner is Sere Rene William from Ivory Coast.

This upcoming match at the 26th of March Stadium will be the second meeting between the West African nations – Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso last played each other almost 30 years ago.

MD 4 2026 World Cup Qualifier
MD 4 2026 World Cup Qualifier
The Gambia secured their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign by defeating Seychelles 5-1.
by FSL News

Gambia thrash Seychelles in coach Mckinstry’s first game

The Gambia secured their first victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign by defeating Seychelles 5-1 under new head coach Johnathan Mckinstry.

The resounding win lifted The Gambia in Group F, while Seychelles remain without any points after three matches.

The home team wasted no time asserting their authority, with Muhammed Badamosi opening the scoring in the 10th minute.

After the recess, the Gambia continued their dominant play, with goals from Musa Barrow, Yankuba Minteh, Badamosi, and Adama Sidibeh.

Despite efforts, Seychelles struggled to contain The Gambia’s attacks.

The comprehensive victory boosts morale for The Gambia as they prepare to face Gabon. At the same time, Seychelles will need to regroup quickly as they host Burundi, seeking their first points of the campaign.

Cameroon brush Cape Verde aside in qualifier
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon brush Cape Verde aside in qualifier

Cameroon’s Captain Vincent Aboubakar scored two goals as the team defeated Cape Verde Islands 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier, putting them level with Libya at the top of Group D with seven points.

Center-back Michael Ngadeu made a strong comeback, scoring in the 13th minute to give Cameroon the lead.

Ngamaleu provided the assist for the second goal 12 minutes later, and Jamiro Monteiro scored for the opposing team in the 37th minute.

But a foul on Ngamaleu by Deroy Duarte three minutes later gave Cameroon a penalty that Aboubakar converted to restore their two-goal lead.

The Indomitable Lions went 4-1 up when a 54th-minute cross into the opposing box was headed forward by Ngadeu and finished off by Nouhou Tolo.

The home side’s day was complete when Onana saved a stoppage-time penalty from Kevin Pina.

With the most World Cup appearances among African countries, Cameroon faced a threat to their 2026 bid due to a conflict between the football federation and sports ministry.

The government appointed a new coach without consulting the federation president, leading to disputes and power struggles. After weeks of tension, a compromise was reached.

Morocco beat Zambia as South Africa & Nigeria draw in Uyo
by FSL News

Morocco defeat Zambia as Nigeria & South Africa draw in Uyo

Morocco defeated Zambia 2-1 with an early penalty by Hakim Ziyech and a goal by Eliesse Ben Seghir, while Zambia managed a consolation goal by Edward Chilufya.

Nigeria and South Africa played to a 1-1 draw, with Themba Zwane scoring for South Africa and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalizing for Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday.

Cote d’Ivoire secured a 1-0 victory over Gabon with a goal from Seko Fofana, maintaining their lead in Group F.

Morocco 2 – 1 Zambia

In the match between Morocco and Zambia, an early penalty scored by Hakim Ziyech gave the Atlas Lions the lead. Eliesse Ben Seghir extended their lead after the break, but a consolation goal by Edward Chilufya in the 80th minute reduced Zambia’s deficit. This result propelled Morocco ahead of Zambia in Group E. 

Cote d’Ivoire 1 – 0 Gabon

Seko Fofana’s goal helped the Elephants secure a narrow victory over Gabon, maintaining the reigning African champions’ winning streak in Group F and their position at the top.

Nigeria 1 – 1 South Africa

In Uyo, the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced South Africa, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Themba Zwane scored for Bafana Bafana in the 29th minute, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized for Nigeria shortly after the break.

Lesotho top Group C after win over Zimbabwe as Mozambique edge Somalia
by FSL News

Lesotho top Group C as Mozambique edge Somalia

Lesotho secured a significant 2-0 away victory over Zimbabwe on Friday afternoon to lead Group C of Africa’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Rethabile Rasethuntsa opened the scoring for Lesotho in the 21st minute, while Jane Thaba Ntso doubled their advantage just ten minutes later, securing the win.

With this impressive win, Lesotho now sits atop Group C with five points from three matches, while Zimbabwe is at the bottom with just two points.

In another match, Mozambique secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Somalia, with goals from Alfons Amade and Stanley Ratifo, moving them level on points with the group leaders.

Elsewhere, Kenya and Burundi played out a 1-1 draw in a closely contested match.

These results will have a significant impact on the standings and the hopes of each nation to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup.

How qualifying works

The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will then compete for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.