Senegal staged a thrilling comeback in Kinshasa on Tuesday, defeating DR Congo 3-2 in a dramatic Group B clash of the 2026 World Cup African qualifiers.
The hosts raced into a 2-0 lead through early strikes from Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa, aided by a rare mistake from goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
However, Senegal responded powerfully. Pape Gueye pulled one back with a rocket from distance, and Nicolas Jackson equalised on the rebound just before half-time. The comeback was sealed three minutes from time when Pape Matar Sarr slotted home the winner.
With the win, Senegal now tops Group B, moving ahead of DR Congo as they prepare to face South Sudan and Mauritania in October. DR Congo, now second, must win upcoming games against Togo and Sudan to stay in contention.
In Praia, Cape Verde stunned Cameroon with a 1-0 victory, pulling four points clear at the top of Group D.
The decisive moment came early in the second half as Tino Livramento sprinted from his own half and fired low past André Onana. Despite late pressure and chances from Carlos Baleba and Zambo Anguissa, Cape Verde held firm.
It marks Cameroon’s first loss under new coach Marc Brys, leaving them scrambling to secure qualification. Libya remains in the hunt.
Egypt missed the chance to secure early qualification after a 0-0 draw against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou.
The Pharaohs dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined home side. An early injury to Omar Marmoush and a disallowed goal for Mohamed Salah added to their frustrations.
Mostafa Mohamed came close late on, while Bertrand Traoré nearly snatched it for the hosts in the final minutes. The result leaves the group wide open with two rounds to go.
In Lomé, Togo secured their first win of the campaign with a 1-0 victory over Sudan.
Khaled Fofana scored the only goal with a near-post header from a corner. Despite missing late chances to double the lead, Togo held on for a morale-boosting win. Sudan’s qualification hopes now hang by a thread.
In Uyo, Nigeria and South Africa played out a tense 1-1 draw that keeps both teams’ qualification hopes alive.
Bafana Bafana took the lead when William Troost-Ekong turned the ball into his own net under pressure. Nigeria responded with a powerful header from Calvin Bassey, set up by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.
Despite second-half chances, neither side could find a winner. South Africa remains well-positioned to top the group, while Nigeria may need to win all remaining fixtures or face the playoff route.
