Thursday, November 16, marked the start of 2026 World Cup qualification. Algeria and Egypt started well by defeating Somalia and Djibouti. Nigeria dropped out after drawing Lesotho (1-1).
Mohamed Salah scores four against Djibouti.
Egypt started the 2026 World Cup qualifiers well. In Group A, Egypt defeated Djibouti 6-0, with Mohamed Salah scoring a quadruple (17th, 22nd, 48th, 69th). Mostafa Mohamed (73rd) and Trezeguet (89th) scored the other Egyptian goals.
Algeria performed well at home. Greens defeat Somalia 3-1 in 2026 World Cup qualification opener. Abdi got the game started well by driving the ball into his own goal (2nd).On 31st minute, Bounedjah finished a loose ball from close range. After three substitutions at halftime, the Algerians saw the Somalis cut the lead with a goal from Abatari, who scored quickly from a free-kick at the far post (65th). Slimani’s arrival gave Belmadi’s soldiers their offensive élan. After 10 minutes, the striker scored the 3-1 victory to finish the game (80th). Algeria now leads Group G of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Greens and Mozambique, who overcame Botswana 3-2, have three points.
Burundi rule Gambia, Mozambique Botswana champions
Burundi started their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign well. Les Hirondelles defeated Gambia’s Scorpions 3-2 at home. Bigirimana (31st) and Nsabiyumva (35th) placed Burundi ahead (2-0), and after Gambians’ Omar Colley equalized just before halftime (2-1), Sudi restored Burundi’s two-goal lead in the 75th minute. Colley braced again in stoppage time to cut the gap.The Swallows won their first Group F game after surviving a comeback. The campaign has started well for Mozambique. They defeated Botswana 3-2 in Group G.
Gabon defeat Kenya, Nigeria held back
In 2026 World Cup qualifiers Group F, Gabon defeated Kenya from behind. The Harembee Stars almost surprised the Panthers. The latter scored in the 40th minute. Gabon battled to equalize. Dennis Bounga scored in the 60th minute. After the match, G. Kanga awarded his team their first three qualification points.
Nigeria, however, missed their opener. On home soil, Lesotho tied the Super Eagles 1-1. Super Eagles had a great offensive but only scored one goal. After trailing since the 56th minute, West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi scored for Nigeria in the 67th minute.Victor Boniface and teammates visit Zimbabwe on Matchday 2. Sunday, November 19, at 13:00 GMT.
The group had no winner between Sudan and Togo. Teams drew. Sudan’s 17th-minute penalty kicker B. M. Eisa scored. Late in the second half, K.Denkey equalized (43)
