Five-Star Senegal, Seven-Star Côte d’Ivoire and One Crazy Night in Africa!
The African qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup 2026 delivered another wild night of goals, drama and heartbreak. Senegal and Côte d’Ivoire are on the brink of sealing their places, while Gabon, Nigeria and Benin all kept their hopes alive in spectacular style.
Senegal Roar in Juba
Senegal moved within touching distance of qualification after thrashing South Sudan 5–0 away from home. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring with a sharp finish at the far post, and Sadio Mané doubled the lead right after the break following a defensive error. Sarr grabbed his second soon after before winning a penalty that Nicolas Jackson coolly converted. Substitute Cherif Ndiaye wrapped up the rout with a late strike.
The Lions of Teranga will book their World Cup ticket if they beat Mauritania on Tuesday.
Nigeria Survive Lesotho Scare
The Super Eagles were made to sweat in Maseru but escaped with a 2–1 win that keeps their campaign alive. After a quiet first half, Nigeria went ahead through a William Troost-Ekong penalty following a handball. Debutant Akor Adams doubled the lead with ten minutes to go before Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake set up a tense finish. A late defensive mix-up almost cost Nigeria dearly, but they held on.
The result means Nigeria’s showdown with Benin will decide everything.
Benin Break Through in Kigali
Benin took a giant leap toward their first-ever World Cup appearance with a 1–0 victory over Rwanda. It was a cagey game until substitute Tosin Aiyegun pounced at the back post to score ten minutes from time. The Cheetahs now sit top of Group C, knowing victory over Nigeria in the final match would make history.
Côte d’Ivoire Cruise, Aubameyang on Fire
In Group F, Côte d’Ivoire crushed Seychelles 7–0 to stay in control. Ibrahim Sangaré started the party from the spot, and goals from Emmanuel Agbadou, Oumar Diakité, Evann Guessand, Yannick Diomande, Simon Adingra, and Franck Kessié followed in a one-sided affair.
Their only remaining threat, Gabon, survived a crazy 4–3 win against The Gambia, powered by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s four goals — a stunning individual performance that keeps them just one point behind. However, the Arsenal legend’s late red card means he’ll miss the final showdown against Burundi.
Tunisia Flex Their Muscles
Already qualified Tunisia continued to dominate the continent with a 6–0 demolition of São Tomé and Príncipe. Elias Saad struck twice, while Firas Chaouat, Ismael Gharbi and Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane joined the scoring spree. Tunisia remain unbeaten and are set to finish as Africa’s top point earners.
Final Day Fever
With one round left, the drama is far from over. Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria and Gabon all have everything to play for — and Africa’s road to 2026 promises a blockbuster finish.
