Morocco Qualifies For 2026 World Cup After Beating Niger Republic
Morocco have emerged as the first African nation to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat on Friday, September 5, to clinch the top position in Group E.
Ismael Saibari scored twice in the first half following the dismissal of Abdul-Latif Goumey, while Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi contributed additional goals in the second half to complete the resounding victory.
The triumph, marking Morocco’s sixth consecutive win, propelled them to 18 points, eight ahead of Tanzania, guaranteeing their seventh World Cup appearance with two matches still remaining.
The Atlas Lions aim to match or surpass their historic 2022 campaign in Qatar, where they became the first African team to reach the semi-finals, defeating Spain and Portugal before losing 2-0 to France.
Among the scorers against Niger, only Ounahi had played in Qatar, as coach Walid Regragui has revitalized the squad by integrating new talents, such as PSV Eindhoven’s Saibari.
In other qualifying matches, Egypt secured a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in Cairo, with Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush scoring late first-half penalties. A win against Burkina Faso on Tuesday could see the Pharaohs join Morocco at the 2026 finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In Group B, Newcastle United’s recent signing Yoane Wissa was among the goal scorers as the Democratic Republic of Congo defeated South Sudan 4-1 in Juba to maintain their lead. Cedric Bakambu netted twice, while Senegal remained one point behind the leaders after a 2-0 victory over Sudan in Diamniadio, with goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr.
South Africa preserved a five-point lead in Group C with a 3-0 win against neighbors Lesotho in Bloemfontein. Mohau Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis scored, though injuries to defenders Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane clouded their preparations for a critical match against Nigeria on Tuesday.
In other results, Steve Mounie’s goal earned Benin a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe, while Gambia surprised Kenya with a 3-1 win in Nairobi, with Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh among the scorers.
Guinea comfortably defeated Somalia 3-0, with Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy scoring his first World Cup qualifying goal, though their campaign is nearly concluded, trailing Group G leaders Algeria by eight points.
Reigning African champions Ivory Coast will face Gabon on Tuesday, September 9, in a pivotal Group F match that could decide the group’s winner.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
