Algeria booked their ticket to FIFA World Cup 26™ with a comprehensive victory over Somalia. They now have an unassailable lead at the top of Group G, while Uganda strengthened their grip in second place with a hard-fought win over Botswana. Mozambique, meanwhile, saw their hopes severely dented with costly home defeat against Guinea. The Guineans’ success was in vain, however, as they have been eliminated along with Botswana.
In Group H, third-placed Liberia beat Namibia in second to close the gap to the Brave Warriors to one point, while Kenya edged Burundi in a battle between two already-eliminated Group F sides.
Group F
Kenya goal: Ogam (73)
Substitute Ryan Ogam fired home a spectacular winner for Kenya as they finally found a way through in an attritional contest against a Burundi side forced to play with ten men for almost the entire match.
There was a dramatic opening with less than two minutes on the clock when Kenya goalkeeper Brian Bwire was left on the floor after saving at the feet of Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana. After a lengthy stoppage for treatment on the pitch, Bwire was stretchered off to be replaced by Bryne Odhiambo and Bimenyimana received a straight red card.
Benni McCarthy’s men struggled to make their numerical advantage count and were even second best for long periods until Ogam, who had only been introduced in the 65th minute, showed clever feet outside the box to create a yard of space before curling a long-range effort into Jonathan Nahimana’s top corner. Odhiambo produced a stunning stop in injury time to preserve his clean sheet, reaching to his left to keep out a close-range header from Abedi Bigirimana.
Group G
Algeria goals: Amoura (6, 58), Mahrez (19)
Mohamed Amoura and Riyad Mahrez were unplayable as Algeria cruised to a global-finals return. Amoura broke the deadlock for Vladimir Petkovic’s side in Oran, volleying home Mahrez’s cross at the back post. Maker then turned taker, Mahrez rifling a bouncing ball into the top corner to double the lead. Mahrez then set up Amoura to head home his eighth goal in his last five qualifiers.
Algeria reached the World Cup’s knockout phase for the first time in 2014, panicking eventual champions Germany en route to a 2-1 extra-time loss in the last 16.
Mozambique goal: Reinildo (19)
Guinea goals: Traore (2, 59)
Mozambique’s World Cup hopes are hanging by a thread after a home defeat by Guinea, who have now been eliminated despite their success at Estadio do Zimpeto in Maputo.
With just over 60 seconds on the clock, Guinea stunned the home fans as Ousmane Camara clipped in a cross from the left and Abdoul Traore was left unmarked eight yards out to guide his header into the bottom corner. Mozambique were back on terms when Geny Catamo’s inviting free-kick to the far post was powered home by Reinildo.
But Traore then fired home a powerful right-foot effort from outside of the box which Ernan Siluane got a hands to, but could not keep out. The Mambas are now three points adrift of second-placed Uganda and with a significantly inferior goal difference ahead of their final fixtures against Somalia and Algeria, respectively.
Uganda goal: Ssemugabi (54)
Uganda went three points clear in second place in Group G win a narrow win over Botswana, who have been eliminated.
Ugandan forward Rogers Mato came closest to opening the scoring in the first half, with his searing drive forcing a fine save from Keagile Kgosipula. The Cranes made the breakthrough shortly after half-time when striker Jude Ssemugabi headed in from close range.
An engaging encounter saw both teams have efforts cleared off the line, but Uganda held on to secure a priceless win. The Ugandans will face already-qualified Algeria in their final group game on Monday, knowing a draw would guarantee second place. A victory, however, would greatly enhance their chances of reaching the next round as one of the four best runners-up.
Group H
Liberia goals: Kosiah pen (3), Bah (9), Ledlum (81)
Namibia goal: Ndeunyema (86)
Namibia’s hopes of securing a continental play-off spot suffered a major setback after they were soundly beaten by Liberia, who closed the gap to their second-placed opponents to one point.
The Lone Stars got off to the brightest of starts when they were awarded a penalty after just three minutes, with Nicholas Andrews taken down in the Namibia area by Alfeus Leevi. Up stepped Ayouba Kosiah, who converted the spot kick with ease. The home team got their second soon afterwards when Namibia keeper Kamaijanda Ndisiro rashly raced out of his area and was rounded by Sulahmana Bah, who calmly slotted the ball into the empty net.
Substitute Edward Ledlum sealed the victory with a beautiful curling effort from the edge of the area with nine minutes remaining. David Ndeunyema also made an impact from the bench when he pulled a goal back for Namibia from close range as time ran out.
CANCELLED: Malawi v Equatorial Guinea
How qualifying works
The nine group winners will qualify automatically for the FIFA World Cup 26™. The four best runners-up will then compete for one place at the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.
