Ajayi saves Nigeria blushes as Salah makes history for Egypt
Semi Ajay headed home a blushes-saving goal for Nigeria as Lesotho looked to cause the biggest upset of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. There were no such problems for the Pharaohs of Egypt who put six past Djibouti with Mohamed Salah becoming the country’s all-time leading scorer, banging in four goals on the night.
In Group F, Gabon came from a goal down to beat Kenya 2-1. Starboy Guelor Kanga scored the winner after Dennis Bounga had levelled matters with a gift of a goal from the Kenya defence. Masoud Juma had put Harambee Stars on the road to a potentially huge away win with an early goal.
Algeria made a winning start to their journey to the multinational 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 win over Somalia. An own goal by Sidi Baano and strikes from Baghdad Bounedjah and Islam Slimani sealing the three points. Issa Abatari scored in the correct net to give the Somalians some consolation.
Mogtaby Issa scored from the penalty spot as Sudan drew 1-1 with Togo. Loic Bessile’s goal just before halftime ensuring Togo start life in Group B with a point.
Mogakolodi Ngele failed to score from the penalty spot in a five-goal thriller loss to regional neighbours, Mozambique. The Mambas built a two-goal lead through Clesio Bauque and Ratifo, Tlhalefang Molaodi responded for the Zebras before Jonathan Muiomo looked to have secured the points for Mozambique. The drama was only just beginning with Ngele breaking a 1,4 million BaTswana hearts before Kabelo Seakanyeng made those hearts beat faster in hope with a goal a minute later.
Burundi almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in their five-goal feast with The Gambia. Two goals in 35 minutes had Burundi in cruise control but a Omar Colley goal made a nervy halftime break. Abdallah Sudi calmed the Burundian nerves with a 75th-minute strike before a very late successful penalty by Ebrima Colley had Burundi back on edge until the final whistle sounded.
