March 27, 2025: Nigeria suffered a significant blow to its World Cup qualifying campaign on Tuesday as Egypt and Morocco all but sealed their places in next year’s tournament.
Zizo’s goal gave unbeaten Egypt a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone in Cairo, while Morocco extended its lead with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania, putting them in a strong position for qualification with a nine-point advantage over their rivals.
Morocco’s fifth consecutive win in Group E came with Brahim Diaz converting a penalty after Nayef Aguerd opened the scoring with a rebound.
Zizo’s strike just before halftime kept Egypt five points clear of Burkina Faso, which won 2-1 against Guinea-Bissau on Monday in Group A.
Nigeria’s Setback
In a disappointing turn of events, Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa scored in the 90th minute to secure a 1-1 draw in Uyo, Nigeria, silencing the home crowd.
Victor Osimhen had put Nigeria on track for just their second win in Group C following a 2-0 victory over Rwanda on Friday, which had revived their qualification hopes.
However, Chirewa’s last-minute equalizer dashed Nigeria’s hopes, leaving them in fourth place with just seven points in the group.
Other Group Highlights
- South Africa secured a 2-0 victory over Benin, maintaining their lead in Group A with 13 points, five ahead of Rwanda (which drew 1-1 with Lesotho) and Benin.
- Only the nine group winners automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up will compete in a six-country playoff for the last two spots.
Algeria Makes a Strong Statement
Mohammed Amoura scored a hat trick as Algeria thrashed Mozambique 5-1 to open a three-point lead in Group G. Guinea’s hopes were nearly extinguished after a 1-0 loss to Uganda, leaving them eight points behind Algeria in fifth.
Cape Verde and Cameroon in Tight Race
Cape Verde stayed top of Group D with a 2-1 win in Angola, while Cameroon responded with a 3-1 victory over Libya, staying just a point behind Cape Verde.
Sudan’s Missed Opportunity
Sudan slipped from the top of Group B after a 1-1 draw with South Sudan, which allowed Congo and Senegal to take the lead with 2-0 victories over Mauritania and Togo. Congo is now top with 13 points, followed by unbeaten Senegal and Sudan, who dropped to third on goal difference.
Ghana’s Strong Comeback
Ghana moved to the top of Group I, netting eight goals in back-to-back wins over Chad and Madagascar. Otto Addo’s side bounced back from the disappointment of failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, dominating both matches.
Comoros, the surprise early leader, remained three points behind Ghana with a 1-0 win over Chad.
Ivory Coast Holds on
Ivory Coast held onto top spot in Group F with a 1-0 win over Gambia, thanks to Sébastien Haller’s early goal and key saves by goalkeeper Yahia Fofana. Gabon remained close behind after a 2-1 victory over Kenya.
Ivory Coast had previously beaten Burundi 1-0 in Morocco, while Gabon secured a 3-0 win over Seychelles.
Tunisia Maintains Group H Lead
Tunisia strengthened their grip on the top spot in Group H with a 2-0 win over Malawi, courtesy of two late goals.
With four rounds of qualifiers remaining, the race for the World Cup places intensifies.