World Cup 2026 (Q): Niger stuns Tanzania, Morocco's runner-up in Group E | OneFootball

Mena triumphs in Zanzibar and reignites the chase behind Morocco, the group leader already qualified.

World Cup 2026 (Q) / Tanzanie 0-1 Niger / Photo : @Tanfootball

Niger defeated Tanzania 1-0 on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar. Daniel Sosah's goal in the 58th minute secured three precious points for Mena on Matchday 8 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Niger pulled off a shock by winning on Tanzanian soil, with the Taifa Stars sitting second in Group E before kickoff. The match started at a high tempo, with the first half marked by intense duels and solid defending from both sides. Neither team found the net before halftime. The breakthrough came shortly after the hour mark, when Daniel Sosah capitalized on a well-worked team move to surge into the Tanzanian box and open the scoring for Mena.

Down to ten men after Boureima Katkoré Amadou was sent off in the 79th minute, Niger withstood relentless pressure from the Taifa Stars. Despite several attacking attempts, Tanzania failed to find an equalizer. Niger held on to their lead until the final whistle. This victory lifts Mena to third place in the group with nine points. Tanzania remains runner-up to Morocco with ten, but their cushion has narrowed.