The action in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for Africa heated up this weekend as South Africa cemented their position at the top of Group C, while Burkina Faso delivered a stunning 6-0 victory over Djibouti to keep their qualification hopes alive. Uganda also found their form with a convincing win against Mozambique, reigniting their chances in Group G. Meanwhile, Tanzania managed to secure a vital draw against Congo in Group E.
Burkina Faso 6-0 Djibouti (Group A)
Burkina Faso showcased their attacking prowess in a dominant performance against Djibouti, scoring six unanswered goals at a neutral venue. Constant Irie opened the scoring in the 16th minute after Dango Ouattara’s early penalty miss. Jean Tiendrebeogo doubled the lead in the 25th minute before Edmond Tapsoba found the net twice before halftime with goals in the 36th and 45th minutes.
The Burkinabè team maintained relentless pressure, limiting Djibouti’s chances effectively. Ouattara redeemed himself in the second half by scoring from close range in the 59th minute and converting a penalty in the 86th minute, solidifying Burkina Faso’s position in the qualifiers as they close in on leaders Egypt.
Lesotho 0-3 South Africa (Group C)
In Maseru, South Africa delivered a professional display, overcoming Lesotho with a 3-0 victory. Hugo Broos’s side began brightly, with Maloisane Nkota finding the net in the 15th minute after receiving an assist from Aubrey Modiba.
Lyle Foster doubled the advantage with a low finish in the 63rd minute, and just four minutes later, he turned provider for Oswin Appollis, who secured the third goal. The win brings South Africa’s points tally to 16, keeping them comfortably ahead of Nigeria and Rwanda, both of whom are in hot pursuit as the qualifiers progress.
Benin 1-0 Zimbabwe (Group C)
Benin climbed to second place in Group C after a narrow 1-0 win against Zimbabwe. Steve Mounié scored the decisive goal in the 77th minute, meeting a delivery from Youssouf Roche to beat the Zimbabwean goalkeeper Donovan Bernard.
Despite Zimbabwe’s commendable efforts to manage the game, including making several substitutions, they couldn’t penetrate a disciplined Benin defense. This result leaves Zimbabwe at the bottom of the group with just four points, while Benin now has 11 points, setting up an intriguing chase behind South Africa.
Congo 1-1 Tanzania (Group E)
In a closely-fought encounter, Tanzania salvaged a late equalizer to hold Congo to a 1-1 draw. Congo took the lead in the 68th minute with a goal from Dylan Moussavou, but Tanzania was not to be denied.
Salum Mwalimu, who came on in the second half, netted the equalizer in the 84th minute after some impressive interplay with Bernard Mzize. The draw keeps Tanzania in second place in Group E with 10 points, while they continue to trail behind Morocco, who remain unbeaten on 15 points.
Overall Standings and Upcoming Matches
As we approach the final stages of this qualification window, the stakes are incredibly high. Burkina Faso’s victory in Group A allows them to reduce the gap to leaders Egypt, while South Africa firmly holds their ground at the top of Group C.
Benin’s surge into second place adds pressure on Rwanda and Nigeria, who are both vying for crucial points in the next matches. In Group E, Tanzania’s points keep them ahead in the fight for a playoff spot behind Morocco.
With three matchdays remaining, every point and goal scored could prove vital as teams battle for the chance to compete in the upcoming 2026 World Cup, and the race for the runners-up spots intensifies across all groups.
