This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Caf
Morocco and Egypt have signed crucial victories to consolidate their leadership in the African Championship 2026 qualifiers, while Guinea stumbled on Somalia in a frustrating match (0-0).
Morocco is doing
In Oujda, the Atlas lions trembled but ended up overthrowing Niger (2-1) in a hung duel of group E.
Semi-finalists of the last World Cup, the men of Walid Regragui were surprised by an opening of the Nigerien score from the start of the second period. Abdoul Moumouni Sako found the post on a free kick before Boubacar Goumey Oumarou appeared to conclude, plunging Moroccan supporters into stupor.
Led and lack of inspiration, the Lions had to rely on the entries of Abde Ezzalzouli, Bilal El Khannouss and Ismael Saibari to change the course of the match. The reaction came in the 59th minute, Saibari with a caviar from Brahim Diaz at the second post.
While the draw seemed inevitable, Morocco forced the decision in additional time. Brahim Díaz combined with Ossair Mazraoui before serving Bilal El Khannouss, who adjusted the goalkeeper in the 91st minute. A relief for the Lions, still at the top of group E with six points ahead before their trip to Tanzania.
Salah as a boss, Egypt without trembling
Egypt continued its flawlessness by dominating Ethiopia (2-0) in El Jadida.
The pharaohs quickly took control and, as often, Mohamed Salah showed the way. On a well -constructed action, the Liverpool star opened the scoring in the 31st minute of a clinical foot flat after a Hamdy Fathi service.
Nine minutes later, Zizo took advantage of an opposing defensive error to double the bet. Solid behind, Hospals Hassan’s men managed the second period without ever being worried.
With 13 points in five games, Egypt flies at the top of group A with five lengths ahead of Burkina Faso. The qualification for the 2026 World Cup approaches. For its part, Ethiopia remains stuck with only three units in five games and hopes of qualifying almost annihilate.
Guinea disappoints against the red lantern
Stop for Guinea. Opposed to the modest Somalia, the last of group G with zero point before this day, the national Syli was held in check (0-0) in Abidjan.
Despite the presence of Serhou Guirassy, brilliant in the Champions League, the Guineans never found the fault in front of a compact Somalian defensive block. In lack of inspiration in the middle, they multiplied the distant attempts, without real danger for the opposing goalkeeper.
A worrying result that slows down the Guinean ambitions in the qualification race. Still behind Mozambique and Algeria, the pressure rises on the technical staff, while critics are increasing.
Guinea will no longer have the right to make mistakes against Uganda, while Egypt will challenge Sierra Leone and Morocco will try to confirm in Tanzania.
