As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers gain momentum, Matchday 6 has delivered a series of thrilling matches across Africa, showcasing the fierce competition among nations vying for a chance to grace the world’s most prestigious football event. This past weekend, several teams asserted themselves with vital points in their quest for qualification.
On Sunday, March 23, Eswatini faced off against Mauritius in a high-scoring draw, finishing 3-3 in Group D. Eswatini's Mkhontfo shone brightly, netting two goals early on with strikes in the 14th and 18th minutes, while Mabuza added a third goal in the 75th minute. Mauritius responded valiantly, with Rose scoring just after the halftime break and Aristide finding the net shortly thereafter, followed by Vincent’s late equalizer in stoppage time.
In another intense match on the same day, Kenya battled hard but succumbed to Gabon, losing 1-2. Kenya's Olunga managed to score in the 62nd minute, but Aubameyang’s brace — featuring a penalty conversion — proved too much for the Kenyans to overcome.
Monday, March 24, saw more nail-biting action. Namibia played to a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, with P. Shalulile scoring the opener in the 51st minute before Saúl Coco equalized just three minutes later. In Group A, Guinea-Bissau were defeated by Burkina Faso, with a score of 1-2; Z. Banjaqui’s goal wasn’t enough to counter L. Traore's brace.
The spotlight also shone brightly on Liberia, who secured a 2-1 victory over São Tomé e Príncipe. N. Andrews and J. Farkarlun were on target early for Liberia, setting the pace, although Dola’s first-half effort created a tense finish.
Elsewhere, the Central African Republic and Mali battled to a goalless stalemate, while Côte d'Ivoire edged past Gambia with a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to S. Haller's 15th-minute goal. Ghana made a statement with a commanding performance against Madagascar, triumphing 3-0 with goals from T. Partey and M. Kudus.
In a spectacular performance, Ethiopia overpowered Djibouti with a staggering score of 6-1, showcasing their offensive prowess with Desta and Nasir leading the charge. Finally, Tunisia managed to secure a late 1-0 win over Malawi, with Jaziri’s goal sealing the deal in the 86th minute.
The competitive landscape continues to intensify, and Matchday 6 is not done yet. Fans are eagerly awaiting the culmination of fixtures on March 25. Anticipation builds as notable fixtures include Benin hosting South Africa in Abidjan, where the stakes are incredibly high for both sides. The Cheetahs of Benin, who have struggled recently with three consecutive draws, will need a solid defense and impactful performance from their star striker, Steve Mounié, to stand a chance against South Africa — currently flying high under coach Hugo Broos.
Another crucial clash sees Nigeria, high on morale after a recent win, hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo. The Super Eagles are desperate to continue their form; however, inconsistencies have plagued them in the past. Zimbabwe brings a wealth of experience and could prove to be a formidable opponent for the Nigerians.
Additionally, Rwanda faces Lesotho in a must-win situation at home, while Angola will take on Cape Verde, with ties promising excitement as both teams eye critical points in this tight group. Cameroon will look to bounce back from their lackluster 0-0 draw against Eswatini when they tackle Libya — the Indomitable Lions are eager to prove their mettle at home.
Sudan faces South Sudan in a match that could solidify their standing in Group B, while Algeria meets Mozambique and Senegal engages Togo. Each game carries a weight of expectation as teams strive to secure their respective places for the upcoming World Cup.
As these fixtures unfold, the eyes of football fans and analysts alike will remain glued to the pitch, eager to witness which nations will emerge victorious. The road to the World Cup continues to intensify, revealing strengths, weaknesses, and the spirit of competition that makes the qualifiers a thrilling spectacle.
Whether it’s a moment of brilliance that leads to a decisive win or a last-minute equalizer that shakes the standings, March 25 promises to be yet another landmark day in African football.
