Tense Evening in Africa: Senegal Behind, Nigeria Resilient, Cape Verde Await | OneFootball

2026 World Cup Qualifiers Boil Over as Heavyweights Clash Across Africa

Tense Evening in Africa: Senegal Behind, Nigeria Resilient, Cape Verde Await

The race for 2026 FIFA World cup qualification in Africa reached boiling point on Tuesday evening with heavyweight clashes shaping the future of several top nations.

Congo DR Stun Senegal Early

In Kinshasa, Congo DR struck twice in seven minutes to shock the reigning African champions. Veteran striker Cedric Bakambu opened the scoring in the 26 minute before Yoane Wissa doubled the lead on 33 minute.

Senegal responded quickly with Iliman Ndiaye pulling one back in the 39 minute to keep Pape Thiaw’s men alive.

In Johannesburg, South Africa needed victory to tighten their grip on top spot. They went ahead in the 25 minute when William Troost Ekong’s own goal handed them the lead.

But Nigeria equalized through Calvin Bassey just before half time (44) reigniting their fragile qualification hopes in tightly contested group.

Meanwhile Cape Verde lead Cameroon by single point heading into their showdown. With qualification hanging in the balance, the Indomitable Lions must secure positive result away from home to keep their World cup dream alive.

Qualification Picture