How top guns produced 5 away wins in 2026 W’Cup qualifiers

Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Algeria produced excellent results to continue their pursuits of the nine 2026 FIFA World Cup slots as they secured away wins in the Match Day 5 qualifying fixtures played on Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21. The five countries that are among the top seven in Africa displayed […]

Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Algeria produced excellent results to continue their pursuits of the nine 2026 FIFA World Cup slots as they secured away wins in the Match Day 5 qualifying fixtures played on Thursday, March 20 and Friday, March 21.

The five countries that are among the top seven in Africa displayed their worth, securing maximum points on away turfs.

Daily Trust takes a look at how these top guns performed and their chances of qualifying for the prestigious global event.

Egypt (Group A)

Seven-time AFCON winners comfortably defeated Ethiopia 2-0 in an away win to extend their lead at the top of Group A with five-point.

The thrilling encounter witnessed the dominance of the host for 30 minutes but the Pharaohs woke up to keep their opponent at bay from attacking and mount pressure on their defense, paving way to Mohamed Salah and Zizo goals in the first half.

The Pharaoh are on the top of the group with 13 points drawn from four wins and a draw.

Nigeria (Group C)

The wings of the Super Eagles of Nigeria received fresh strength to possibly fly higher to the global football competition as they triumphed 2-0 against Rwanda to secure their first win in the series and their first-ever victory over Rwanda on their home soil.

The victory, thanks to the brace from Victor Oshimen in the first half, relived the hopes of the third-ranked in the continent to possibly avert missing qualification to the World Cup after failing to qualify for the last edition in Qatar.

In-form Oshimen connected Ademola Lookman’s superb free-kick to give the lead after just 11 minutes. The 2023 African Footballer of the Year, then doubled the lead on the stroke of half time.

Nigeria now occupy the 4th position with six points from five matches in Group C. They have recorded 3 draws, a loss and a win.

Although not yet uhuru, the victory over Rwanda has reignited the Super Eagles World Cup hopes. The three-time African champions will lock horns with Zimbabwe tomorrow, March 24 in Uyo.

Morocco (Group E)

The confidence of Morocco’s national football team received a strong boost after coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory against Niger. The Atlas Lions survived the scare from unfancied Niger, thanks to 20-year-old midfielder Bilal El Khannouss’ decisive goal at a minute close to the end of regulation time.

The goal punctured Niger’s Youssouf Oumarou’s early goal in the second half before Morocco restored parity through Ismael Saibari in the 59th minute.

The victory extended Morocco’s dominance at the top of the log with 12 points drawn from four wins in Group E. They stay ahead of Niger, Tanzania, Zambia, Congo and the withdrawn Eritrea.

The Atlas Lions who made history at the last World Cup in Qatar where they became the first African nation to reach the semi-final will face Tanzania in their home match tomorrow, Tuesday, March 25.

Ivory Coast (Group F)

The reigning African champions narrowly defeated Burundi 1-0 to move to the top of Group F.

The Ivorians who are just a point ahead of Gabon in the group, secured the away win thanks to Evann Guessand who scored his first goal to revive the hopes of the Elephants to qualify for the World Cup.

The Elephants will play host to The Gambia today, (Monday) at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Abidjan.

Algeria (Group G)

One of Africa’s powerhouses, Algeria defeated Botswana 3-1 to secure the crucial away win at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium, propelling them to the top of Group G.

Amine Gouiri scored the opener for the visitors before Mohamed Amoura netted a brace for the Desert Foxes. Algeria lead the group on superior goal difference.

They have 12 points from four wins and one loss, same with Mozambique who are in second position.

The Desert Foxes will face Mozambique in a top of the table clash tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24.