African nations are making significant strides towards qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco all securing important victories in their latest qualifying matches on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. However, South Africa's triumph over Benin has been overshadowed by a potential points deduction due to fielding an ineligible player.
In Group C, South Africa recently registered a 2-0 away win against Benin, boosting their lead at the top of the group. Despite this success, trouble looms as South Africa faces the prospect of losing points from their previous home match against Lesotho, held on March 21, 2025. South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena had been ineligible to play after accumulating two cautions in earlier games. "I’m not commenting on the matter, it is something that will be sorted over the next week," said South Africa's coach Hugo Broos about the impending situation.
On the same day, Nigeria, South Africa's closest rival in the group, drew 1-1 at home against Zimbabwe. Nigeria initially took the lead with a goal from Victor Osimhen in the 74th minute; however, a last-minute goal from Zimbabwe's Tawanda Chirewa not only salvaged a point for the visitors but also reinforced the competitive tensions in Group C, where South Africa now sits six points clear with four matches remaining.
In the meantime, the action continued across the continent, with notable performances from Algeria, which thrashed Mozambique 5-1, bolstered by a stunning hat-trick from Mohamed Amoura. This victory allowed Algeria to open a three-point lead at the top of Group G. Egypt also maintained their momentum, edging out Sierra Leone 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Ahmed Zizo, which secures a five-point buffer in Group A. Morocco, undefeated thus far, defeated Tanzania 2-0, with Nayef Aguerd contributing the first goal and Brahim Diaz sealing the win from the penalty spot.
Meanwhile, the Cape Verde Islands shocked Angola by winning 2-1 away, propelling them to the top of Group D, just ahead of Cameroon, which managed a 3-1 home victory over Libya. Captain Vincent Aboubakar led the charge for Cameroon with two goals, while substitute Bryan Mbeumo contributed one more to ensure a solid performance.
In Group B, the Democratic Republic of Congo found success in Mauritania, securing a 2-0 win courtesy of Charles Pickel and Fiston Mayele. They took over the group's leadership with this result, placing themselves a point ahead of Senegal, which also enjoyed victory on the same day, defeating Togo 2-0 thanks to Pape Matar Sarr and a subsequent own goal.
As the qualifiers progress, there remains a palpable sense of urgency. The next round of matches will resume in September 2025, followed by another set in October, leading to the conclusion of this intense qualification phase. The nine group winners will secure their spots at the World Cup, while the four best runners-up will vie for a playoff opportunity to join them in North America.
All eyes will continue to be on the performances of these African teams as they compete for glory on the world stage, with every point now crucial in the aspiration for qualification and eventual World Cup success. The drama of qualification, alongside the controversies and thrilling performances, encapsulates a vibrant chapter in African football.
