The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup spots heated up across the African continent on Monday, with crucial results in Groups A, H, and I.
In Group A, Burkina Faso kept their qualification hopes alive with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.
Lassina Traoré proved to be the hero for the Stallions, netting goals in the 6th and second half. Despite Zidane Banjaqui’s 36th-minute equalizer for Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso secured the vital three points.
This victory puts Burkina Faso firmly in contention, trailing group leaders Egypt by just two points. Egypt, however, have a game in hand, adding further tension to the group.
In Group H, Liberia delivered an impressive performance, defeating Sao Tomé and Principe 2-1. Nicholas Andrews opened the scoring early, and Jimmy Farkalun doubled the lead in the 32nd minute.
This win propelled Liberia to third place in Group H, closing the gap on group leaders Tunisia to just three points. This result indicates that Liberia is now a serious contender for qualification.
In Group I, Mali’s bid to close the gap on group leaders Ghana was thwarted as they were held to a goalless draw against the Central African Republic in Casablanca, Cameroon.
This result leaves Mali in third position, behind Ghana and Madagascar. The Central African Republic now sits in fifth place, just behind Comoros.
