1. Salah scores 4 to show that he is ready to qualify Egypt for the 2026 World Cup
Mohammed Salah showed why he is the best winger on the planet now as he scored four goals in Egypt’s 6-0 win against Djibouti in Cairo at the Cairo International Sports Stadium. The 31-year-old Liverpool forward has scored 16 goals in 21 matches for club and country this season. The red-hot Salah has set an eye on another FIFA World Cup as the 2018 World Cup in Russia was not the best tournament for him because he played with a shoulder injury. At 31, Salah would love the opportunity to play in the World Cup once again.
2. Ivory Coast eviscerates Seychelles to send AFCON 2023 warning
Ivory Coast demolished Seychelles 9-0 in Abidjan at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara. The 195th-ranked team suffered a humiliation as the result is the worst ever in their history. A brace of goals each from youngster Karim Konate and Hamed Junior Traore with a goal each from Sebastian Haller, Ibrahim Sangare, Simon Adingra, Sekou Fofana and Jeanne-Phillipe Krasso secured a famous win for the Elephants.
The host of AFCON 2023 has sent a warning to all potential winners of the imminent tournament that they have everything to host and win the tournament.
3. Comoros secures s crucial win against the Central African Republic
A country of only 850,886 population, per a 2019 estimate, has been rising in football recently. In their opening fixture, Comoros defeated Central African Republic by 4-2 by bouncing back from an early setback. Four different scorers; M’Dahoma, Youssouf, Said and Maolida were on target for the Coelacanths although they scored two own goals for Central African Republic.
On Tuesday at 4 pm, Comoros will host Ghana, a country they shocked during the 2021 AFCON, at the Stade de Moroni in Moroni, their capital. This will be a huge test for Comoros in their unlikely quest for the 2026 World Cup slot.
4. Inaki Williams opens his scoring for Ghana
Inaki Williams Artheur, 29, has endured a difficult moment since switching from Spain to Black Stars. The forward had played 11 times for Ghana including three appearances at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He was yet to find the back of the net and has come under immense pressure to the extent that many Ghanaians questioned Chris Houghton’s continuous trust in him.
When Ghana needed a win against Madagascar, he was the one to snatch it for them. The Athletic Bilbao’s forward has 8 goals contribution so far in Laliga and Ghana will hope his imperial form in Laliga will continue for the Black Stars on Tuesday in Comoros and 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
5. Nigeria disappoints as they drew 1-1 with Lesotho
Napoli’s bonafide goalscorer Victor Osimhen was absent yet Jose Peseiro paraded a team full of stars; Taiwo Awoniyi, Victor Boniface, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Iwobi but could not secure the needed three points at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Oyo. Motlomelo Nkwanezi opened the scoring for Lesotho in the 56th minute before Semi Ajayi equalised in the 67th minute.
Nigerians are very disappointed with the draw as they want to see the Super Eagles back on the world stage after missing the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Next is a trip to Zimbabwe and Nigeria can’t afford to drop a point in that game.
6. James Kwasi Appiah’s reign in Sudan starts with a draw against Togo
In his first competitive fixture, Mayele, popularly known in his motherland, Ghana, began his reign as Sudan coach with a 1-1 draw against the Sparrowhawks of Togo at the Martyrs of February Stadium in Benghazi, Libya. Milton Keynes Dons’ forward Mohammed Eisa put Sudan ahead via a spot-kick in the 17th minute. Kevin Denkey levelled the scores in the 43rd minute for the visiting side. No team was able to find the winner with Akwasi Appiah James enjoying a fine debut for the Sudanese. He is tasked with qualifying the team for the 2025 AFCON and anything in the World Cup qualifiers might be accepted albeit a decent performance and results are required.
7. Patson Daka headlines Zambia’s new generation
Patson Daka scored a brace to record Zambia’s first win of the 2026 qualifiers against Congo. The 4-2 win was a hard-fought one as Zambia has suffered recently after winning the 2012 AFCON. They will be in Ivory Coast having missed the 2017,2019 and 2021 editions of the CAN.
Zambia has genuine talents in the new crop of players with Patson Daka, Kings Kangwa, Lameck Banda and Fashion Sakala with the experienced 34-year-old Stoppila Sunzu leading them from the back.
Avram Grant and Zambia will fancy their chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Morocco will be the only huge threat to them in Group E.
8. 6 countries played their home games outside their countries
Burkina Faso, Guinea, Niger and Ethiopia all played their opening games in Morocco. Burundi and Sudan also hosted their opponents in Tanzania and Libya respectively.
This signals how irresponsible and unready these countries are when it comes to football. In 2023, how come a FIFA and CAF member state lacks a standard football stadium?
9. Aliou Cisse begins the qualifiers on a higher note
A brace from Sadio Mane and one gaol each from Lamine Camara and Pape Matar Sarr secured a comfortable 4-0 win for Senegal at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diomande against South Sudan. The win ensures that Aliou Cisse commences the road for the 2026 World Cup on a good note with a trip to Lome in Week 2 of the qualifiers on Tuesday. Senegal has played in the last 2 World Cups and they will target a third consecutive one.
10. DR Congo aims to give Senegal a challenge in Group B
At the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo won 2-0 against Mauritania as Yoane Wissa and Theo Bongonda’s goals sealed their first win of the qualifiers. With the availability of top-notch players like Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu, Gael Kakuta, Elia Meschack, Chancel Mbemba and Fistin Mayele, Sebastien Desabre can shock Senegal and steal the slot. They are fantastic footballers and can cause havoc on any day against any opponent.
A trip to Benghazi, Libya, to face Sudan is next and you can’t bet against DR Congo winning the match.
