Category: Sport News

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.