Category: Football Africa

Amoura, Mahrez nets as Algeria qualify for World Cup after 12-year absence
by FSL News

Amoura, Mahrez nets as Algeria qualify for World Cup after 12-year absence

Algeria has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2014, defeating Somalia 3-0 in Oran to secure first place in Group G of the African qualifiers.

This victory marks Algeria’s fifth appearance at the World Cup and their first in 12 years. Mohamed El Amine Amoura scored two goals, while captain Riyad Mahrez added another.

The win ensured their qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Algeria joins Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt as the fourth African nation to qualify for the tournament, which will feature 48 teams for the first time.

Elsewhere, Jude Ssemugabi’s header early in the second half was crucial as Uganda claimed an important victory over Botswana to reinforce their second place in the group.

The Cranes controlled possession and generated more significant opportunities, with Rogers Mato forcing a great save during the first half.  

Ssemugabi’s finish from close range was sufficient to secure the win, even with late pressure from the home team.

Uganda now requires only a draw in their final match against the already-qualified Algeria to ensure a top-two finish — and a possible place among the four best runners-up heading into the playoffs.

Botswana 0–1 Uganda – Scorer: Ssemugabi (54′)

In Group H, Liberia renewed their chances of making it to the continental play-offs by defeating Namibia 3-1, while Kenya achieved a confidence-boosting 1-0 win against Burundi in Group F.

Cape Verde closs-in on first-ever World Cup qualfication
by Football Sierra Leone

Cape Verde close in on first-ever World Cup qualification

Cape Verde could rewrite their own history by reaching the next FIFA World Cup in 2026 hosted in the USA, Canada and Mexico if they can win against Eswatini next week.

Cape Verde’s admirable fightback has them two points clear at the section’s summit. Libya now need a miracle to reach the next stage of qualifying.

The Mediterranean Knights exploded out of the blocks. Fadel Mansour played a crisp one-two down the right, and his cross was turned into his own net by the outstretched leg of Pico.

The Blue Sharks responded when Telmo Arcanjo headed home Jamiro Monteiro’s devilish delivery, but Ezzeddin El Maremi stabbed home to restore the hosts’ advantage.

A spectacular, swerving free-kick from El Maremi seemingly put the contest to bed, but an error from goalkeeper Murad Alwuheeshi gave Cabo Verde hope before Willy Semedo scrambled home a leveller.

They’ll host Eswatini at the Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde stadium, and a win will surely see them making it to the 2026 World Cup as Group D winners.

Libya 3-3 Cabo Verde

Libya goals: Pico OG (2), El Maremi (42), Al-Shalwi (58)

Cabo Verde goals: Arcanjo (30), Lopes Cabral (76), Semedo (82)

Meanwhile,Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Madagascar and Niger claimed crucial wins in FIFA World Cup 26 qualifying as Angola, Comoros, Guinea-Bissau, Mali and Sierra Leone were eliminated.

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.

The last dance as Egypt set to wrap up qualification against Djibouti
by FSL News

The last dance as Egypt set to wrap up qualification against Djibouti

The Pharaohs of Egypt, led by Captain Hossam Hassan, finished its training on Tuesday at Al-Arabi Al-Zawali Stadium in Morocco ahead of the Djibouti contest.

The North Africans have excelled in their group with Hossam Hassan at the helm, blending solid defence with exciting offence.

They’ve set their sight on a win against Djibouti – kickoff at 7 PM on Wednesday at the Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Morocco. This match is part of the ninth round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup finals.

With only nine group winners guaranteed a ticket to next year’s expanded finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, today’s matches could determine more places.

Morocco and Tunisia have already secured qualification, leaving seven automatic spots still up for grabs across the continent. With 20 points at the top of Group A, a victory could secure Egypt’s place in the 2026 World Cup, marking their fourth appearance, having first qualified in 1934.

All 24 players took part in Tuesday’s training session, which included: Mohamed El Shenawy, Mustafa Chobeir, Mohamed Sobhi, Abdelaziz El Balouti, Mohamed Hani, Mohamed Hamdi, Ahmed Eid, Rami Rabia, Khaled Sobhi, Yasser Ibrahim, Amr El Gazar, Hossam Abdel Majid, Ahmed Nabil Koka, Marwan Attia, Hamdi Fathy, Mohanad Lasheen, Mahmoud Sabre, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mohamed Salah, Ibrahim Adel, Mustafa Fathy, Mustafa Mohamed, and Osama Faisal.

With 20 points at the top of Group A, a victory can secure Egypt place in the 2026 World Cup
With 20 points at the top of Group A, a victory can secure Egypt place in the 2026 World Cup