Category: Football Africa

Morocco strengthens grip in Group E World Cup qualifiers
by Football Sierra Leone

Morocco strengthen grip in Group E World Cup qualifiers

Morocco came from behind to defeat Niger 2-1, strengthening their lead in Group E of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. Meanwhile, Guinea’s campaign suffered a setback with a frustrating goalless draw against Somalia.

In Oujda, the Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup, fell behind after a goal from Niger’s Boubacar Goumey Oumarou in the 47th minute.

However, a triple substitution by coach Walid Regragui revitalized the team. Ismael Saibari equalized in the 59th minute, tapping in a clever assist from Brahim Diaz. Morocco secured the win with a late goal from Bilal El Khannouss in stoppage time, keeping them six points clear at the top of Group E.

In contrast, Guinea’s hopes crumbled in a disappointing 0-0 draw against Somalia, who are among the lowest-ranked in African football. Despite having Champions League star Serhou Guirassy, Guinea struggled to break down Somalia’s defensive setup, missing a chance to pressure Group G leaders Mozambique and second-placed Algeria.

As criticism of the team grows, Guinea faces a must-win match against Uganda next, while Morocco prepares to face Tanzania.

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria's performance after defeating Rwanda
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Eric Chelle praises Nigeria’s performance after defeating Rwanda

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle praised his players after their 2-0 win against the Amavubi of Rwanda.

Nigeria matchday five tie took place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday night and marked the Super Eagles’ first victory in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. With this win, the team moved up to fourth place in Group C.

In his post-match remarks, Chelle said, “It was a tough game; Rwanda has a strong team. I am proud of my players. We worked hard in the few days leading up to this match, although we only had two full training sessions. However, we controlled the ball well in the second half. It was a solid performance from my players.”

Chelle also mentioned his team’s strategy and the need for improvement. He stated, “I enjoy setting up the game plan. We tried two different tactics. This is just the first game, and we need to improve as we prepare for the next one.”

He emphasized that teamwork is essential. “Every player can contribute, and we need to work together to reach our goal of qualifying for the World Cup. We have talented players, and today the team performed well. My job is to make decisions about the game plan and which players to use.”

Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, expressed disappointment after the Amavubi’s loss to the Super Eagles.

“We need to correct some things in the team. Unfortunately, we lost, but we will regroup for the next game,” he said. “I am ashamed of today’s performance, especially in front of our fans and the president.”

Bertrand Traoré nets as Burkina Faso down Djibouti in Group A tie
by Football Sierra Leone

Bertrand Traoré nets as Burkina Faso down Djibouti in Group A tie

Burkina Faso defeated Djibouti 4-1, allowing them to overtake Sierra Leone on goal difference ahead of matchday six against Guinea-Bissau in the World Cup qualification matches for Group A.

As a result, Burkina Faso now sits in second place, behind Egypt, who are set to play against Ethiopia later this evening in the race for qualification to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Josue Tiendrebeogo opened the scoring in the 13th minute, and Bertrand Traoré doubled their lead in the 33rd minute at the Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi on Friday.

MC Alger player Mohamed Zougrana extended Burkina Faso’s lead to three goals, and Lassina Traoré capped it off with a fourth goal, making it 4-0.

Djibouti’s Samuel Akinbinu managed to pull one back with a consolation goal from the penalty spot in the 88th minute.

Group leaders Egypt will face Ethiopia later in the final match of group stage five.

On matchday six, Burkina Faso will travel to meet Guinea-Bissau at Estádio 24 de Setembro, while Ethiopia will host Djibouti at Stade Ben Ahmed El Abdi. Additionally, Sierra Leone will entertain Egypt in Cairo on Tuesday.

Mali thrash Comoros in Group I CAF World Cup Qualifiers
by FSL News

Mali thrash Comoros in Group I CAF World Cup Qualifying tie

Newly appointed Tom Saintfiet guided Mali to a vital 3-0 victory over Comoros on Thursday night during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This victory gives Mali a better chance to qualify and changes the standings in Group I.

Nene Dorgeles and Kamory Doumbia scored goals in the Moroccan city of Berkane, helping Mali move up to fourth place with eight points, just two points behind the leaders, Madagascar. Comoros, who was at the top of the group before this game, is now in third place with nine points.

Mali started the match strong, scoring the first goal in the 20th minute. Dorgeles received a good pass from captain Yves Bissouma and shot past goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros tried to fight back. Faïz Selemani took a long-range free kick that tested Malian goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, but Mali kept their defence strong.

In the second half, Mali played with more energy. In the 55th minute, El Bilal Touré crossed the ball into the box, and Kamory Doumbia found the empty net.

Just eight minutes later, Doumbia scored again with another assist from Bissouma, making it clear that the game was in Mali’s control. Comoros struggled to find clear opportunities as Mali finished the game confidently.

This loss is a big setback for Comoros, who may fall further behind in the group.

In contrast, Mali’s win puts them back in the race for a World Cup spot, with three games left in the qualifiers. Madagascar stays on top with 10 points, but Ghana could take the lead if they win their next match against Chad.

Mali will be feeling more confident as they prepare for their next important game against the Central African Republic on Monday to move up the standings.

Mozambique beat 10-man Uganda as Cape Verde earn late win
by Football Sierra Leone

Mozambique beat 10-man Uganda as Cape Verde earn late win

Mozambique topped Group G in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 3-1 victory over Uganda at Cairo Stadium on Thursday. The Mambas dominated the first half, with Pepo scoring twice and assisting Stanley Ratifo’s goal just before halftime.

Although Uganda’s Muhammad Shaban equalized early, they struggled after Denis Omedi received a red card.

With this win, Mozambique has 12 points, three ahead of Algeria, who faces Botswana on Friday. Uganda remains in third place, tied on six points with Botswana and Guinea.

Mozambique took an early lead in the fourth minute through Pepo, who later scored again in the 17th minute after Shaban equalized. Omedi’s red card left Uganda at a disadvantage.

In first-half stoppage time, Pepo assisted Ratifo, making it 3-1. Mozambique couldn’t extend their lead in the second half, but their victory was secure. Algeria now faces pressure to win against Botswana to remain competitive in the group ahead of Matchday 6.

Despite their numerical advantage, Mozambique couldn’t extend their lead in the second half, but their two-goal cushion secured the victory. Algeria now faces pressure to win against Botswana to stay competitive in the group ahead of Matchday 6.

Group D: Cape Verde achieved a late win over Mauritius with Yannick Semedo’s 84th-minute goal, earning three crucial points on the road.

Despite being mostly controlled during the match, the visitors capitalized on a late mistake, allowing them to top Group D, ahead of Cameroon, who dropped points against Eswatini.

In Group H, Prins Tjiueza’s composed strike, following a layoff from Peter Shalulile in the 40th minute, was enough for Namibia to secure their third victory. They faced Malawi in a match that was evenly contested.

This crucial win allows Namibia to move up to second place in the group. Meanwhile, Malawi’s defeat places them in a challenging fifth position, diminishing their chances of qualification.