Namibia 1-2 Malawi
Namibia’s World Cup qualification hopes were left in the balance following a 2-1 defeat to Malawi in a Group H clash in Francistown.
South African-based Peter Shalulile, Deon Hotto, Riaan Hanamub, Edward Maova and Joslin Kamatuka all started for the host, while Gabadinho Mhango was leading the line for the Flames.
Former Baroka FC striker Richard Mbulu got the Flames in front after five minutes before Mhango extended their lead early in the second half.
The Brave Warriors put up a fight albeit late on through David Ndeunyema, but it was too little too late as the Flames bagged three points.
Benin 1-0 Zimbabwe
Benin remain on course for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals with a late 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe in a Group C qualifying clash on Friday.
Veteran goalkeeper Washington Arubi, Teenage Hadebe, Divine Lunga and Knowledge Musona all started for the Warriors, with Steve Mounie leading the line for the host.
Mounie, who now plies his trade for Bundesliga boys FC Augsburg, came to the fore and bagged the winning strike late in the match.
Kenya 1-3 Gambia
Kenya’s chances to qualify for the global event were ended after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Gambia in a Group F encounter.
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow lined-up for the visitors, while Benni McCarthy banked on Michael Olunga with Ryan Wesley Ogam on the bench.
Minteh’s impact proved decisive moments from the start as he teed-up Sheriff Sinyan for the opener and later on combined with Barrow to double their lead
Barrow, who plays his club football in the Saudi Pro League these days, helped himself to the score-sheet and saw the Scorpions in a commanding position at the break.
McCarthy introduced Ogam in the second half and then forward went on to bag a consolation goal, as the Harambee Stars suffered defeat.
Uganda 4-0 Mozambique
Uganda maintained their ambitions of qualifying after thrashing Mozambique aside 4-0 in a Group G showdown in Kampala.
Following a torrid start, the Cranes and Mambas couldn’t unlock each other in the opening period and went to the break goalless.
The floodgates opened after the resumption with Allan Okello, a quick-fire brace from Roger Mato and a last-gasp finish by Elio Capradossi pulling the Mambas apart.
Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images