World Cup
World Cup qualifying update: Morocco escape to victory against Niger Republic
In Oujda, Morocco escaped a major scare to edge Niger 2-1 in a tense Group E clash on Friday night.
The Atlas Lions, semi-finalists at the last World Cup, had to come from behind after a shock early second-half goal from Niger before late heroics spared their blushes.
Despite a bright start by Walid Regragui’s side—with early chances for Sofiane Rahimi and Youssef En-Nesyri—it was Niger who struck first.
After a 47th-minute free kick saw Abdoul Moumouni Sako hit the post, Boubacar Goumey Oumarou was quickest to react and slotted home the rebound, sending the few hundred Nigerien fans into ecstasy.
The goal stunned the home crowd and Morocco struggled to find a response. But Regragui’s triple substitution—bringing on Abde Ezzalzouli, Bilal El Khannouss, and Ismael Saibari—breathed life into the team.
The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Saibari tapped in at the far post after a clever assist from Brahim Diaz.
Still level deep into stoppage time, Morocco’s pressure paid off. Diaz exchanged a slick one-two with Noussair Mazraoui, whose low cross was calmly finished by El Khannouss in the 91st minute, giving the North Africans all three points.
The win keeps Morocco top of Group E with a six-point cushion, as they prepare to face Tanzania next.
-CAF
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World Cup
World Cup qualifying update: Salah shines as Egypt cruise past Ethiopia to open a 5-point gap
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.
Ethiopia’s performance was another disappointment. With just three points from five games, their qualification hopes appear slim.
-CAF
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.
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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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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