Nigeria 1-1 Lesotho
Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier campaign got off to a shaky start following a 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Group C on Thursday evening.
The host were without highly-rated striker Victor Osimhen due to injury, but had stern figures up top in Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi, Alex Iwobi Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.
After no goals in the first stanza, the Super Eagles trailed in the second as Motlomelo Mkhwanazi put the visitors ahead and stunned the home crowd.
The Super Eagles refused to drop their heads and managed to snatch a point late in the second period when Semi Ajayi finished off Kelechi Iheanacho's delivery.
Egypt 6-0 Djibouti
Mohamed Salah had a day to remember as Egypt recorded a 6-0 victory over Djibouti in their Group A opener on Thursday.
The Liverpool star got the ball rolling in the opening 20 minutes and quickly followed it up with a brace from the penalty spot.
Salah continued to lead the way for the Pharaohs after the halftime period and completed a hat-trick before going on to bag a fourth of the day late on.
Mostafa Mohamed and Trezeguet added the fifth and sixth goals respectively to complete the rout for the Egyptians.
Algeria 3-1 Somalia
Algeria, who have missed out on the last two editions of the World Cup proper, started their qualifying journey in Group G with a 3-1 victory over Somalia.
An own-goal from Ayoub Abdi after just two minutes got the Carthage Eagles off to a flying start before Baghdad Bounedjah doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime.
Somalia did get a lifeline in the second half through Yusuf Ahmed, but the host rounded up the contest as Islam Slimani put the final nail in the coffin.
Gabon 2-1 Kenya
Gabona joined Burundi at the top of Group F after recording a comprehensive 2-1 victory over Kenya out at the Stade de Franceville.
Kenya were ahead before the conclusion of the first half when Masoud Juma got the ball rolling, but the host replied at the resumption through Denis Bouanga and left Guelor Kanga to bag the winner around full-time.
Sudan 1-1 Togo
Sudan and Togo entered their qualification campaign for the World Cup finals in three years time cancelling out each other in a 1-1 draw in Group B.
It was a bright opening where the Sudanese got their noses in front with a spot-kick from Mohamed Eisa following a coming-together in the area.
Togo bounced back and levelled just before the first concluded, with Steeve Kevin Denkey getting the all-important effort to force a share of the spoils.
Botswana 2-3 Mozambique
Mozambique got their campaign towards the World Cup finals off to a good start with a 3-2 victory over Botswana in Group G.
Clesio opened the deadlock for the Mambas and doubled their lead in the second half through Stanley Ratifo before Molaodi Tlhalefang pulled one back.
Mozambique added a third though late on courtesy of Jonathan Muiomo, leaving veteran Mogakolodi Ngele got a second for the first in the final minutes to fulltime, as the clash concluded.
Burundi 3-2 Gambia
Burundi showed a nerve of steel in their Group F qualifier and edged Gambia 3-2 to start their qualifying campaign positively in Dar-es-Salaam.
The host enjoyed a two-goal lead late in the first half through Abedi Bigirimana and Federic Nsabiyumva, but Moussa Barrow got the away outfit a lifeline on the stroke of halftime.
Burundi, though, made the points safe with a third through. Sudi Abdallah, whilst a penalty from Ebrima Colley in added time got Gambia a second consolation.
You must be Sign In to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!