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World Cup qualifying update: Guinea drop vital points

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Guinea’s campaign took a major hit after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Somalia in Abidjan.

 Ranked among the lowest in African football and with zero points before this match, Somalia managed to frustrate the Syli National for 90 minutes in one of the biggest surprises of Matchday 5.

Despite the presence of Champions League star Serhou Guirassy, Guinea failed to break down Somalia’s deep defensive block.

The West Africans lacked creativity in midfield and often resorted to long-range efforts, none of which seriously tested the Somali goalkeeper.

The result leaves Guinea in a precarious position in Group G, missing an opportunity to put pressure on leaders Mozambique and second-placed Algeria.

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With mounting criticism around the team’s technical direction and growing fan frustration, calls for reforms within Guinean football are growing louder.

Guinea’s next match against Uganda is a must-win, while Egypt prepares to face Sierra Leone. Morocco will test its depth against Tanzania.

-CAF

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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World Cup qualifying update: Salah shines as Egypt cruise past Ethiopia to open a 5-point gap

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Zizo of Egypt challenges Markos Biruk of Ethiopia

Meanwhile, Egypt maintained their flawless run in Group A with a comfortable 2-0 win over Ethiopia in El Jadida, Morocco.

The Pharaohs took control early, and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah opened the scoring on 31 minutes, finishing a well-worked move involving Hamdy Fathi.

Nine minutes later, Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” doubled the advantage, capitalising on a defensive lapse from Ethiopia.

Despite some resistance from the East Africans after the break, Hossam Hassan’s men were never truly troubled, and the scoreline remained unchanged.

Egypt now have 13 points from five matches—five clear of second-placed Burkina Faso—and are closing in on sealing qualification to the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

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Ethiopia’s performance was another disappointment. With just three points from five games, their qualification hopes appear slim.

-CAF

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Bafana Bafana go atop of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying group

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The battle for the Group C ticket of the World Cup qualifying series in Africa is still wide and swinging.

On Thursday, Benin went atop even after squandering a valuable 2-0 lead in an away match with Zimbabwe and eventually ended the tie at 2-2.

But on Friday, they were pushed down by South Africa who had a 2-0 win over Lesotho. Nigeria climbed up from fifth to fourth position and potentially could rise to second after the conclusion of Match Day 6 duels on Tuesday.

Two second-half goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams secured a hard-fought victory, for South Africa giving Bafana Bafana a crucial two-point lead over second-placed Benin.

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Lead backers of Super Eagles; Goldberg, Life Continental & Zagg Energy Drink Celebrate Nigeria’s Triumph Over Rwanda

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Celebration ignited as on-fire Osimhen fires Nigeria to a 2-0 win. PHOTO: Pooja La Photos/Sulaiman Adebayo

Nigerian Breweries Plc, through its flagship brands—Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy Drink—has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Super Eagles on their resounding 2-0 victory over Rwanda in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. 

The match at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali saw the Nigerian team deliver a commanding performance, rekindling the hopes of millions of football-loving fans and consumers.

The Super Eagles’ triumph was orchestrated through a blend of tactical brilliance, resilience, and sheer determination. 

A first-half brace from 2023 ‘African Footballer of the Year’ recipient, Victor Osimhen sealed a well-deserved win, showcasing the team’s quality and hunger for success on the global stage.

Expressing admiration for the team’s outstanding display, Nigerian Breweries brands reinforced its unwavering support for Nigerian football.

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Wasiu Ola Abiola,Head, Digital, Brand Media PR and Sponsorships, Nigerian Breweries Plc., lauded the players and technical crew for their dedication to making the nation proud.

“We at Nigerian Breweries are immensely proud of the Super Eagles for their stellar performance against Rwanda. This victory is a testament to the hard work, teamwork, and passion that defines Nigerian football.

“Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy Drink are brands that celebrate excellence, and the Super Eagles have once again demonstrated that Nigeria belongs at the top in global football,” Abiola stated.

As the Super Eagles shift their focus to their next crucial qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday, the brands are rallying support for the team to maintain their winning momentum on Match-day six.

The Portfolio Manager, Mainstream Lager Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Olaoluwa Babalola noted that the journey to the next World Cup finals next year is still a long one but urged the team not to relent but pick available points as the tournament hit the halfway mark.

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“The road to the World Cup is long and demanding, but with the right mindset and the unwavering support of Nigerians, we are confident that the Eagles will continue to soar. We urge the team to give their all against Zimbabwe, as every match is a step closer to the ultimate goal,” Babalola remarked.

In a bid to further energize and celebrate outstanding performances on the pitch, Nigerian Breweries will be relaunching its prestigious Man-of-the-Match award in Uyo for the game against Zimbabwe. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to recognizing and rewarding excellence, inspiring players to put on their best displays for the nation.

Nigerian Breweries has remained a dedicated partner of Nigerian football, consistently backing the Super Eagles through various initiatives, sponsorships, and fan engagement activities. All eyes are now set on Uyo, where the Super Eagles will seek to build on their success and take another step toward World Cup qualification.

Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

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