0
0
Morocco have become the first African nation to book their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after thrashing 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat on Friday, September 5, to secure top spot in Group E.
Ismael Saibari struck twice in the first half following Abdul-Latif Goumey’s dismissal, before Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi added second-half goals to seal the emphatic win.
The victory, Morocco’s sixth consecutive in the qualifiers, lifted them to 18 points—eight clear of Tanzania—guaranteeing their seventh World Cup appearance with two matches still to play.
The Atlas Lions will now aim to build on their historic 2022 campaign in Qatar, where they became the first African side to reach the semi-finals, famously eliminating Spain and Portugal before falling 2-0 to France.
Of Friday’s scorers, only Ounahi featured in Qatar. Coach Walid Regragui has refreshed the squad with emerging talents, including PSV Eindhoven’s Saibari.
Elsewhere in the qualifiers, Egypt defeated Ethiopia 2-0 in Cairo thanks to first-half penalties from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday would see the Pharaohs join Morocco at the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In Group B, Newcastle United’s new signing Yoane Wissa scored as the Democratic Republic of Congo beat South Sudan 4-1 in Juba to stay top, with Cedric Bakambu adding a brace. Senegal remain just a point behind after a 2-0 win over Sudan in Diamniadio, courtesy of Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr.
South Africa extended their lead in Group C with a 3-0 win over neighbours Lesotho in Bloemfontein. Goals from Mohau Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis secured the points, though injuries to Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane are a concern ahead of Tuesday’s crucial clash with Nigeria.
Elsewhere, Steve Mounie’s strike gave Benin a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe, while Gambia stunned Kenya 3-1 in Nairobi with Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh among the scorers.
Guinea beat Somalia 3-0, with Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy netting his first World Cup qualifying goal, but they remain eight points adrift of Group G leaders Algeria.
Meanwhile, reigning African champions Ivory Coast face Gabon on Tuesday, September 9, in a decisive Group F clash that could determine the group winner.
