The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup spots heated up across Africa, with Ghana and Ivory Coast securing crucial victories, while Tunisia and Burkina Faso made significant strides in their respective groups.
Ghana’s Black Stars, aiming to rebound from their failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, delivered a commanding 3-0 victory against Madagascar.
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was the hero of the day, netting two headers, both assisted by Jordan Ayew.
Partey’s first goal came in the 11th minute from a free-kick, and his second in the 53rd minute from a corner.
Mohammed Kudus sealed the victory with a goal in the 58th minute, assisted by Ayew.
This victory, coupled with Mali’s 0-0 draw against Central African Republic, puts Ghana five points clear at the top of Group I. Ghana has 9 points, and Madagascar has 4. Mali has 3 points.
Meanwhile, reigning African champions, Ivory Coast, secured a narrow 1-0 win against The Gambia in Abidjan.
Sebastien Haller scored the decisive goal in the 15th minute, assisted by Simon Adingra. Despite the victory, Ivory Coast’s performance was far from convincing, with goalkeeper Yahia Fofana making several crucial saves to preserve their lead.
Ivory Coast leads Group F with 7 points, followed by Gabon with 6 points.
In another game, Tunisia defeated 10-man Malawi 2-0, with late goals from Seifeddine Jaziri (86th minute) and Elias Achouri (90+1 minute, penalty).
Tunisia’s goalkeeper, Aymen Dahmen, also saved a penalty in stoppage time. This victory puts Tunisia four points clear at the top of Group H with 10 points.
Also, Namibia and Equatorial Guinea drew 1-1, while Liberia defeated Sao Tome e Principe 2-1.
Burkina Faso secured a 2-1 away victory against Guinea-Bissau, with Lassina Traore scoring both goals.
This win reduces Egypt’s lead in Group A to two points.
Key Results:
• Guinea-Bissau 1-2 Burkina Faso (Group A)
• Ethiopia 6-1 Djibouti (Group A)
• Ivory Coast 1-0 The Gambia (Group F)
• Namibia 1-1 Equatorial Guinea (Group H)
• Liberia 2-1 Sao Tome e Principe (Group H)
• Tunisia 2-0 Malawi (Group H)
• Central African Republic 0-0 Mali (Group I)
• Madagascar 0-3 Ghana (Group I)
