Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana Black Stars on the verge of reaching the 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Ghana Black Stars on the verge of reaching the 2026 World Cup

Following a 5-0 victory over the Central African Republic, thanks to the inspired performance from Jordan Ayew on Wednesday at the Stade d'Honneur in their World Cup qualifying matchday nine, the Black Stars only require a point from their last Group I match on Sunday.

Midway through the first half, Mohammed Salisu’s strong header from Mohammed Kudus’s corner put the Black Stars ahead.

Before the Leicester City forward sent a brilliant first-time volley, Ayew arranged second-half goals for former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and Alexander Djiku. Across goal and into the bottom corner in the 71st minute. Kamaldeen Sulemana contributed the fifth to preserve his team’s three points ahead on the table.

Madagascar hung onto a 2-1 away victory over Comoros in the battle with their closest opponents in Group I, thus maintaining their position aiming to be eligible for their first ever World Cup while also destroying their rivals’ aspiration to do the same.

Opening in the 11th minute in a game played in unrelenting driving rain in neutral Abidjan, Ivory Coast, Clement Couturier side-footed for the visitors. For a few amazing first-half saves, the Malagasy had goalie Geordan Dupire to thank; then, El Hadary Raheriniaina’s potent 73rd-minute header made the score 2-0.

With eight minutes left to set up a possible grandstand finish, Rafiki said pulled a goal back, but the match ended in comical scenes as the Comoros keeper Salim Ben Boina sent off, a flooded pitch virtually prevented play and held up the ball on the turf.

Handball stoppage time on the periphery of the center circle as he tried to halt a counter attack. In the last round of games on Sunday (19:00 GMT), Ghana will host Comoros and Madagascar.

Though their goal differential means they may yet qualify even if they lose, Ghana just requires one point to guarantee their place at the World Cup.

To deny the West Africans first place, Madagascar must triumph; hopefully the Black Stars lose and also reverse an eight-goal disadvantage.

Egypt join Morocco and Tunisia as Burkina Faso edge Sierra Leone
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Egypt join Morocco and Tunisia as Burkina Faso edge Sierra Leone

The Pharaohs of Egypt have confirmed their qualification from Group A after a 3-0 win over Djibouti in Morocco on Wednesday at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, as Sierra Leone suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Burkina Faso in Liberia.

Ibrahim Adel and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah brace were enough as Egypt booked a berth at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with an easy 3-0 win over Djibouti in Casablanca that gave them top place in Group A with one game remaining.

The win secured their top spot with 23 points with a game to spare as they look to rest some players when they face Guinea-Bissau, who lost to Ethiopia 1-0 earlier on Wednesday.

Joining fellow North Africans Morocco and Tunisia, the Pharaohs become the third African team to claim their World Cup spot.

Though they have won a record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, Egypt have battled to reproduce their continental performance in World Cup qualifying above appearing at football’s biggest event on only three prior occasions—in 1934, 1990 and 2018—years.

In Liberia, Sierra Leone began the match strongly, with Momoh Kamara and Blackburn Rovers winger Augustus Kargbo challenging the Burkina Faso defence in the opening 15 minutes at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Liberia.

This means Burkina Faso climbed up to third in the best-placed teams with 18 points until other matchday nine matches in the qualifers played. 

Sunderland’s Bertrand Traoré and Dango Ouattara were largely isolated as Sierra Leone maintained possession through passing football, creating a couple of half-chances. Notably, Kei Kamara’s volley in the 27th minute went wide.

However, Burkina Faso got the lead through Mohamed Zougrana (0 – 1) in the 43rd minute from a header following Sunderland’s Bertrand Traoré’s corner kick.

Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara had the chance to equalise, but his attempt was saved by the Burkina Faso goalkeeper in the 44th minute, and the visitors nearly extended their lead when Bertrand Traoré touched a loose ball wide before halftime.

After the break, the hosts were more energetic, with Kei Kamara and Kargbo coming close to scoring as the visiting goalkeeper was kept busy. In the end, there were no more goals from either side. 

Only group winners are assured of automatic qualification, while the top four second-placed teams will move on to next month’s African play-offs, where an additional team will secure a place in the intercontinental qualifiers.

90′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Mohamed Turay replaces Nathaniel Jalloh.

82′ Substitution, Burkina Faso. Saïdou Simporé replaced Ismahila Ouédraogo.

82’ Substitution, Burkina Faso. Saïdou Simporé replaced Ismahila Ouédraogo.

82′ Substitution, Burkina Faso. Pierre Landry Kabore replaced Bertrand Traoré.

74′ Substitution, Burkina Faso. Josué Tiendrébéogo replaced Abdoul Ayindé.

74′ Substitution, Burkina Faso. Mohamed Ouédraogo replaced Mohamed Zougrana.

69′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Alhassan Koroma replaced Abu Dumbuya.

69′Substitution, Sierra Leone. John Sesay replaced Sallieu Tarawallie.

69′ Substitution, Sierra Leone. Samuel Gandi replaced Kei Kamara.

Cameroon's Marc Brys - 'we must win to keep hopes alive'
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cameroon’s Marc Brys – ‘We must win to keep hopes alive’

Cameroon's Belgian coach, Marc Brys, has candidly acknowledged that finishing at the top of Group D and securing direct qualification is now beyond reach.

He emphasised that the focus must shift to clinching second place. “We need to win our next two matches to keep our World Cup hopes alive.”

Brys and the Indomitable Lions are gearing up to face Mauritius on Wednesday, October 8, in St. Pierre for Day 9 of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

This upcoming match, along with the game against Angola on October 13 in Yaoundé, holds great importance for Cameroon’s qualification hopes.

“I believe the players are eager to win these matches. Securing second place is the best we can aim for, so our goal is to finish as the top second-placed team in order to qualify. Finishing first is no longer an option,” Brys stated.

Cape Verde faces Libya and currently sits atop the group with 19 points. A win today could see them qualify for their first-ever World Cup, regardless of Cameroon’s results in the next two matches.

Striker Cedric Bakambu eyes DR Congo World Cup 2026 spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Striker Cedric Bakambu eyes DR Congo World Cup 2026 spot

DR Congo's striker Cedric Bakambu has voiced his keen ambition to secure a spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 as the team gears up for their final two matches in the qualification race for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The Congolese team sits second in Group B of the CAF qualifiers, trailing Senegal by two points. Despite a recent loss to Senegal, Bakambu remains hopeful about their chances, emphasising unity and determination to achieve qualification.

The DR Congo has not participated in the World Cup since 1974, making the current campaign significant. Bakambu, who has scored three goals and provided two assists recently, aspires to become DR Congo’s all-time top scorer, currently just three goals shy of the record.

He reflected on the emotional experience of playing at the Stade des Martyrs in front of a packed crowd and highlighted the importance of giving back to his country of origin, with strong ties to his roots.

“We’re still on track even though we lost against Senegal. Where there’s life, there’s hope,” adds the 34-year-old forward, not shying away from the memory of that painful 3-2 home defeat against the Teranga Lions on Matchday 8 on 9 September, when he opened the scoring.

“It makes no difference if we qualify for the World Cup directly or through the play‑offs. The target is still the same. It won’t be easy, but we’ll do everything in our power.”

“For me, Senegal is the best team in Africa. You could sense it on the pitch. They know all about playing on the biggest stage in the world. Nobody can say that Senegal didn’t deserve to win. Hats off to them. Just ask any of the Senegalese players – coming and getting a result at the Stade des Martyrs is no mean feat.” Cedric Bakambu told FIFA.com

Sierra Leone and Senegal split rewards in U17 WAFU qualifying opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone and Senegal split rewards in U17 WAFU qualifying opener

Sierra Leone and Senegal played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group B match at the WAFU A U17 Championship in Mali, showcasing their determination to qualify for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations.

Emerging as Sierra Leone’s hero, Musa A. Samura opened the scoring with a poised finish that sent the Sierra Leonean spectators into a state of euphoria.

Following a well-worked move that sliced open the Senegalese defence, his goal came halfway through the first half.

But as the first half wore on, Senegal, renowned for their youth-level tenacity, entered the game. Their hard work was rewarded in the second half when Souleymane C. Faye equalised the game.

The gifted forward seized a defensive error and slipped the ball past the Sierra Leonean goalie to bring the score level and ignite optimism for the West African behemoths.

The game went on at a fast clip with both teams creating opportunities, yet neither side could locate the winning goal. While Sierra Leone defended fiercely to hang onto the point, Senegal displayed more attacking intent in the last stages.

This result gives both teams all to play for in their upcoming group games. Every point counts as the best teams advance to the next round of qualifiers.

The WAFU A U17 competition in Mali keeps producing fierce and thrilling games. In the day’s other match, Guinea narrowly edged Mauritania 1-0 to go top of Group B after their opening matches.

Sierra Leone and Senegal played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group B match at the WAFU A U17 Championship in Mali
Sierra Leone and Senegal played to a 1-1 draw in a thrilling Group B match at the WAFU A U17 Championship in Mali