Madagascar and Lesotho win big as World Cup qualifiers roll on
Madagascar and Lesotho scored big wins as the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup entered another crucial phase. Lesotho’s win in Soweto was made sweeter by a result later in the night out in Uyo, Nigeria.
On a day of little in terms of upsets, Lesotho scored two first-half goals to overcome group dark horses, Zimbabwe. With their fans vastly outnumbered at Orlando Stadium, Lekuena stuck to the plan and hurt Zimbabwe on two counterattacks through Rethabile Rasethuntsa and Jane Thabantso.
The big guns in Group C, Nigeria and South Africa played out an exciting 1-1 draw, meaning Lesotho lead the group going into Matchday Four. Not many people would have predicted this outcome when the draw was done.
Madagascar were the other big winners of Saturday’s games with 2-1 win over fellow islanders Comoros. It was a sweet victory for Madagascar who came into the match as underdogs. Rayan Ravelson was the hero with a goal in each half for the Barea. El Fardou Ben Nabouhane’s goal in injury time will only help Comoros’ goal difference as the points had already been decided.
In Group G, Mozambique picked up three points with a 2-1 win over Somalia while Uganda beat Botswana by a goal to nil. The victory is still being celebrated by Ugandans who made a successful return to their ceremonial stadium in Namboole. Algeria’s defeat has made this group a much tighter affair going into Matchday Four of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF qualifiers.
Morocco continues to set the pace in Group E. The Atlas Lions beat a game Zambia 2-1 with goals from Hakim Ziyech and Eliesse Ben Seghir. Edward Chilufya’s response for Chipolopolo came a little too late to make any impact on the result.
Seko Fofana gave AFCON 2023 winners Ivory Coast a full haul of points in Group F. Fofana’s 36th-minute strike ensured victory over Gabon. In the other match in the same group, Kenya and Burundi drew 1-1 in a game played in the Malawi capital of Lilongwe.
