This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Fifa
During CAF World Qualifications for the 2026 World CAF, most of the favorites held their rank while the stars assumed their status.
50 matches took place during the March window in CAF qualifications for the FIFA World Cup 26 ™
Some selections have confirmed their good shape, others have returned to force
FIFA returns to the lessons of days 5 and 6 in the Africa zone
The favorites assume their rank
The mid-term has been crossed in recent days in African qualifications and after six days, the biggest information to remember is that no cador on the continent is outside the race. Better still, in recent days, none of the CAF training courses which were present at the last World Cup in Qatar conceded a defeat. Among them, Morocco, Ghana and Tunisia, authors of a 6 out of 6, are solidly installed at the top of their respective group.
Cameroon and Senegal occupy second place, only one point from the leader, Cape Verde and DR Congo, respectively. Also considered as favorites, by nature or because they have also participated in a World Cup recently, Algeria, Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire are leading dance in their group after having, too, are full of points in recent days.
Nigeria revives its doubts
Without the late goal of Zimbabwean Tawanda Chirewa on Tuesday, Nigeria would have had its place in the previous paragraph. Only, by conceding in the 90th minute a fourth draw in six meetings, the Super Eagles continue to disappoint in these qualifiers. Relegated six points to the South African leader, blocked in fourth place in group C, Victor Osimhen and his partners will need to succeed in a sparkling end of the course if they want to win the direct qualification for what would then be their seventh World Cup.
The Gabon duel – Côte d’Ivoire will take place
“It was very tight. It lets us believe it for the return match, in any case, with us. This sentence is the Gabonese Jim Alvinah who pronounced him during the interview he gave us before the Mars appointments. He referred to the match lost by his team against Côte d’Ivoire (1-0) on June 7, and indicated that he was convinced to see the Panthers soon to take their revenge.
Having regard to the dynamics of group D teams, this return match scheduled for September may well look like a kind of final for direct qualification. Winners of their two meetings in recent days, Gabon and Côte d’Ivoire have indeed widened the gap on their pursuers and the ticket for North America seems to be promised to one or the other of the two selections. It remains to be seen which one.
Cape Verde caused a sensation
If the qualifications for the 2026 World Cup were to stop there, eight of the new qualified would then return to the final phase. A selection, on the other hand, would fly to the World Cup for the first time in its history, and this selection is Cape Verde. In group D, blue sharks lead the dance in front of Cameroon. In recent days, after having taken over Maurice (1-0), the Capters have been prevailing in Angola (1-2), thanks to a double of the amazing Dailon Livramento, however replacing at the start.
If it will remain in this qualifying campaign a major test with the return match against a Cameroon who had clearly taken him home at the outward journey (4-1), Bubista players keep all their chances of discovering the World Cup next year. In any case, they have their destiny in their hands.
Namibia and Sudan, strong heads
After six days in CAF qualifications, eight training courses are still undefeated. Among them, if we find without too much surprise Egypt, Senegal, Cameroon, Morocco (with five games played), Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia, two nations which have never disputed the World Cup are also in the list and wipe out the observers. Sudan in group B and Namibia in the group H display the same assessment: three victories, three draws and no setbacks. Obviously still in the race for the World Cup, will the two African selections manage to create a bigger surprise in a few months?
CLAP End for Seychelles
Unfortunately, the latest meetings have also led to a first elimination in the Africa zone. With six defeats in as many meetings, the selection of Seychelles can no longer claim second place in group F, currently held by Gabon.
Stars at the rendezvous
Always eagerly awaited in qualifications for the World Cup, many stars of the discipline have distinguished themselves in recent days. Sparkling this season with the Liverpool FC, Mohamed Salah marked and signed a decisive pass for Egypt against Ethiopia (0-2) before weighing during the victory of the Pharaohs over the Sierra Leone (1-0). If Nigeria has gleaned four points in this international window, it can thank ADEMOLA Lookman for his activity and above all Victor Osimhenauthor of the three goals scored by the Super Eagles during their two outings.
Morocco continued its route calmly to the 2026 World Cup and during its two victories over Niger (1-2) and Tanzania (2-0), Brahim Díaz was shone. The Real Madrid player even scored his 8th goal in ten selections against the Taifa Stars. Decisive passer against Burundi (1-0) then scorer against the Gambia (1-0), Sébastien Haller was involved in 100 % of the goals from a formidable solidity Côte d’Ivoire team.
Within a sparkling Algeria, Marseillais Amine Gouiri Billed a pass and a goal against Botswana (3-1) before participating closely in the brilliant success on Mozambique (5-1). Finally, if Ghana has taken orders in group I, he can thank the experienced Jordan Ayew. Author of a goal and a decisive pass against Chad (5-0), the 33-year-old signed the three assists of his team during the 3-0 victory acquired at the expense of Madagascar.
