World Cup qualifiers: Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire book spots in 2026 global showpiece

World Cup qualifiers: Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire book spots in 2026 global showpiece

Senegal and Cote d'Ivoire confirmed their qualification for the 2026 World Cup in CAF qualifying action on Tuesday night, while Nigeria, Gabon and DR Congo will battle it out in the playoffs for a spot at the global showpiece.

Nigeria 4-0 Benin

Victor Osimhen was unstoppable in Uyo, firing a hat-trick as Nigeria demolished Group C leaders Benin.

Samuel Chukwueze was the provider for the first two goals, setting up Osimhen inside three minutes and again with a perfect cross for a header just before halftime. Osimhen completed his treble early in the second half, nodding in a Moses Simon free-kick.

Frank Onyeka added a fourth late on to compound Benin's misery, dropping them from first to third in the group.

While South Africa leapfrogged into top spot and automatic qualification with victory over Rwanda, Nigeria now await confirmation of their place in the CAF Play-Off Tournament.

Senegal 4-0 Mauritania

Senegal booked their World Cup ticket in dominant fashion, brushing aside Mauritania in Diamniadio.

After early frustration, Sadio Mane opened the scoring with a trademark curling free-kick on the stroke of halftime. He added a second just minutes into the restart.

From there, the Lions of Teranga shifted into full control. Iliman Ndiaye sliced through the defense with a dazzling solo goal, and Habib Diallo capped the rout with a late finish, sealing Senegal's place atop Group B.

Cote d'Ivoire 3-0 Kenya

In Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire made no mistake in securing their return to the global stage.

Franck Kessie kicked things off with a composed finish after a smart one-two with Amad Diallo. Youngster Yan Diomande added a second with a calm strike after the break.

Amad Diallo then got on the scoresheet himself, rounding off a stylish win that confirmed Cote d'Ivoire's qualification and preserved their perfect home record in Group F.

DR Congo 1-0 Sudan

The Democratic Republic of Congo claimed victory in Kinshasa as Theo Bongonda scored the winner.

Bongonda beat the keeper at the near post in the first-half after a flowing move with a first-half goal.

Though the result wasn't enough for automatic qualification due to Senegal's dominance in Group B, the three points secured DR Congo a spot in the CAF Play-Off Tournament.

Gabon 2-0 Burundi

Gabon left it late but delivered in front of their home crowd.

After a cagey affair in Franceville, Bryan Meyo broke the deadlock with four minutes remaining, and Mario Lemina sealed the win in stoppage time.

Though Gabon missed out on automatic qualification, the win ensured a place in the CAF Play-Off Tournament.

Morocco 1-0 Congo

Already qualified, Morocco completed their campaign with a professional 1-0 win over Group E strugglers Congo.

After dominating possession without reward, the breakthrough came through Youssef En-Nesyri, who latched onto Achraf Hakimi's cross to fire home the winner in Rabat.

Seychelles 0-7 Gambia

Gambia ended their campaign in style with a devastating attacking performance in Saint Pierre.

Abdoulie Manneh bagged a hat-trick, Adama Sidibeh scored twice, and Musa Barrow added a brace as the Scorpions overwhelmed the Seychelles.

Despite being eliminated earlier, Gambia's display was a statement of attacking potential and pride.

Guinea 2-2 Botswana

An entertaining draw unfolded in Conakry as both sides showed resilience.

Botswana struck first through Segolame Boy, but Guinea responded through rising star Abdoul Traore and then took the lead thanks to Aliou Balde's solo effort.

Just before the break, Gape Mohutsiwa leveled for Botswana after a chaotic corner sequence. The second half saw chances but no further goals in a balanced end to their campaigns.

Somalia 0-1 Mozambique

Mozambique wrapped up their campaign with a disciplined win over Somalia in Bir El Djir. Geny Catamo scored early, capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to slot home in the 5th minute.

Despite their efforts, Somalia ended the qualifiers without scoring a single goal, while Mozambique finished on a positive note.

Algeria 2-1 Uganda

Uganda stunned Algeria early through Steven Mukwala's composed finish, but late drama in Boukhalfa saw Mohamed Amoura steal the headlines.

He converted two penalties in the dying moments - one in the 81st minute and another deep into stoppage time after an extended injury delay.

Though Algeria had already qualified, Uganda's result confirmed their second-place finish in the group and a berth in the upcoming CAF Play-Off Tournament.

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