Blue Sharks Bite into History! Cabo Verde Qualify as Africa Goes Wild!
A nation celebrates! Cabo Verde are heading to their first-ever FIFA World Cup after a stunning 3–0 victory over Eswatini sealed top spot ahead of Cameroon.
It’s a sporting fairytale for Bubista’s “Blue Sharks,” who turned pressure into power on a night to remember at the Estadio Nacional De Cabo Verde.
After a nervy first half, Dailon Livramento struck in the 48th minute, pouncing on a loose ball from a Yannick Semedo cross. Moments later, Willy Semedo added a second from close range, sending the home crowd into chaos.
Veteran Stopira, 37 years young and a national legend, put the cherry on top with a late screamer — his first World Cup qualifying goal since 2008. The roar in Praia said it all: Cabo Verde are going global!
Tunisia’s Iron Wall Holds Firm
Already qualified, Tunisia refused to slow down. The Carthage Eagles finished their campaign unbeaten, topping African qualifying with an incredible record — not a single goal conceded!
In Rades, they crushed Namibia 3–0 with Ali Abdi, Hannibal Mejbri, and Ferjani Sassi on the scoresheet. Abdi coolly slotted home a penalty, Mejbri’s clever cross floated straight in, and Sassi sealed it with class.
Goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen was unbeatable again — his flying save from Peter Shalulile’s acrobatic volley was world-class. Tunisia look every bit like Africa’s powerhouse heading into 2026.
São Tomé and Príncipe Finally Celebrate
For São Tomé and Príncipe, joy at last! A decade of waiting ended as they beat Malawi 1–0 — their first World Cup qualifying victory since 2015.
Ronaldo Afonso was the hero, blasting home a 62nd-minute penalty after Sergio Male was fouled. The tiny island nation defended like lions, holding firm under late pressure to secure their first Group H points.
The celebrations will last all week — a true moment of pride for one of Africa’s smallest football nations.
Cameroon Held, Dreams Dashed
It wasn’t meant to be for Cameroon. The Indomitable Lions could only draw 0–0 with Angola, ending their automatic qualification hopes.
Nouhou Tolo and Arthur Avom missed big chances, while Andre Onana saved brilliantly from Chico Banza. Angola struck the post twice, but it finished goalless — leaving Cameroon waiting on results elsewhere.
Lesotho’s Late Magic
Drama in added time! Substitute Hlompho Kalake smashed in a stunning 90+3 minute winner as Lesotho beat Zimbabwe 1–0.
Both sides missed chances, but Kalake’s rocket from outside the box sent the home fans into delirium. A perfect ending to a hard-fought campaign.
Elsewhere Around Africa
South Sudan and Togo fought to a goalless but spirited draw — Majak Mawith impressed with several key saves in Juba.
Equatorial Guinea and Liberia shared a 1–1 result in Malabo — Federico Bikoro opened the scoring, but Nicholas Andrews levelled with a fine solo strike.
And in Mauritius, the home team held Libya to a 0–0 draw in a gritty, end-to-end clash.
What’s Next for Africa?
Cabo Verde celebrate history, Tunisia look unbeatable, and São Tomé finally have their moment in the sun.
But with giants like Cameroon still hoping for a second chance — who will carry Africa’s flag the farthest in 2026?
