Algeria 3-1 Botswana
Algeria took one step closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Botswana 3-1 in a Group G qualifier on Thursday.
Youcef Attal, Ramy Bensebaini and Riyad Mahrez started for the Desert Foxes, while Botswana featured key men in Mpho Kgaswane and Thabang Sesinyi.
Morena Ramoreboli’s men fell behind late in the first half through Mohamed Amoura, although they levelled matters on 43 minutes courtesy of Tebogo Kopelang.
After holding their own for a large spell, the Zebras succumbed to a late double from Baghdad Bounedjah, leaving the Desert Foxes closer to automatic qualification.
Cameroon 3-0 Eswatini
Cameroon made light work of Eswatini and cruised to a 3-0 victory to maintain second spot in Group D in Yaounde.
Manchester United duo Andre Onana and Bryan Mbeumo picked out the eleven of the Indomitable Lions.
The West African giants took control from the start and were out of sight at the break after an own goal from Gift Gamedze was followed by goals from Georges-Kevin N’Koudou and Arthur Avom.
The five-time African champions head to the top-of-the table showdown on Tuesday with Group D leaders Cape Verde fired up.
Chad 1-1 Ghana
Ghana failed to stretch their lead playing to a 1-1 draw against lowly-ranked Chad in a Group I encounter in N’Djamena.
Premier League duo Antoine Semenyo and Mohammed Kudus who signed for Tottenham Hotspur in the off-season started from the onset with Thomas Partey on the bench.
Having won the corresponding fixture convincingly in March, the Black Stars looked to go on the same rout when Jordan Ayew broke the deadlock in the opening-quarter.
The host rallied back and secured their first point of the campaign a minute from time as Celestin Ecua’s strike escaped the efforts of Benjamin Asare.
Mauritius 0-2 Cape Verde
Cape Verde closed-in to an historic qualification following a 2-0 victory over fellow island nation Mauritius in Group D in Moka.
Goals in either half from Jovane Cabral and Diney got the Blue Sharks maximum points and a further cushion at the top of the group standings.
The loss all but ends the host nation hopes of a spot at the finals, while the Blue Sharks continue a neck-and-neck pursuit for top spot in the group with Cameroon.
Angola 0-1 Libya
Angola’s poor run in the qualifiers continued after going down 1-0 to Libya in the other encounter in Group D.
Libya, who are sit third in the group, secured all the points through a second half finish from Ezoo El Mariamy.
With just one win recorded from seven matches played, the Palancas Negras lie fourth on the table and nine points from top spot.
Photo by Anis / APP/NurPhoto via Getty Images