Category: African News

Our African football page passionately on all continental topics of all National and International football news, Identifying football heroes on our continent.

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.

Trezeguet's brace helps Egypt maintain lead as Guinea secure win
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Trezeguet’s brace helps Egypt maintain lead as Guinea stun Algeria

Trezeguet’s brace secured Egypt’s flawless start in the quest for 2026 Fifa World Cup qualification with a 2-1 triumph over Burkina Faso, while Guinea stunned Algeria on their home turf.

Egypt 2 – 1 Burkina Faso Group A

The Pharaohs had an excellent start in Cairo, with Mahmoud Trézéguet scoring two early goals in the first 10 minutes. Lassina Traoré got a consolation goal for the Stallions, but it wasn’t enough as the Egyptians held on for the win. This victory secured their third win in as many matches and maintained their position at the top of Group A.

Algeria 1 – 2 Guinea Group G

Stylishly, Guinea revived their FIFA World Cup ambitions with a crucial 2-1 away victory at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers against Algeria. Mortaye Sylla scored in the 50th minute and Aguibou Camara found the net in the 63rd minute, securing a stunning victory for Guinea against the former African champions on their home turf.

Mali 1 – 2 Ghana Group I

In a thrilling comeback, Jordan Ayew found the net in injury time, leading Ghana to a crucial 2-1 victory over Mali.

In the 58th minute, Kamory Doumbia put Mali ahead, but Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew scored to secure a comeback win for Ghana in Bamako.

In other fixtures, Senegal, missing Sadio Mane due to injury, achieved a 1-1 draw against DR Congo in Diamniadio, marking Aliou Cisse’s 100th game in charge of the Teranga Lions.

Furthermore, Benin, Libya, Malawi, and Sudan claimed victories and former Fulham assistant coach Luis Boa Morte commenced his tenure in charge of Guinea-Bissau with a goalless draw against Ethiopia.

All participating countries will have another match before the middle of next week, as the African World Cup qualifying takes a break until March next year.

The continent has secured nine places at the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. All group winners will earn a spot in the tournament.

On Monday, Egypt will head to Guinea Bissau, determined to extend their victorious run in the qualifiers.

  • Thursday’s African World Cup qualifying results
  • Egypt 2-1 Burkina Faso (Group A)
  • Guinea-Bissau 0-0 Ethiopia (Group A)
  • Senegal 1-1 DR Congo (Group B)
  • Mauritania 0-2 Sudan (Group B)
  • Benin 1-0 Rwanda (Group C)
  • Libya 2-1 Mauritius (Group D)
  • Algeria 1-2 Guinea (Group G)
  • Malawi 3-1 Sao Tome e Príncipe (Group H)
  • Mali 1-2 Ghana (Group I)