Match Days 3 and 4 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers concluded with a grand finale on Tuesday, June 11, featuring four thrilling fixtures that wrapped up an exciting series of World Cup African qualifiers over the past few days.
Tuesday evening also marked the 14th anniversary of Africa hosting its first-ever FIFA World Cup in South Africa back in 2010.
Morocco emerged as the high scorers of the evening, netting six goals against Congo Republic to extend their lead at the top of Group E.
Burundi climbed into contention for a top spot with a 3-1 victory over Seychelles, moving up to third in Group F. Meanwhile, Gabon secured a narrow 3-2 win over The Gambia, keeping a close chase on group leaders Côte d’Ivoire.
Cameroon had the chance to further extend their lead at the top of Group D but were held to a 1-1 draw by Angola in Luanda.
CAFOnline summarized the day’s final fixtures:
Gabon 3 – 2 The Gambia
A thrilling five-goal match unfolded in Franceville, with Gabon hosting a resilient Gambia in a dramatic 3-2 victory for the home side.
Yankuba Minteh scored first for the visitors before the break, but Jim Allevinah equalized shortly after halftime. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then put Gabon ahead, followed by a goal from Denis Bouanga. A 79th-minute strike by Ebou Adams led to a tense finish, with Gabon holding on for a crucial win that leaves them just one point behind group leaders Côte d’Ivoire.
Congo 0 – 6 Morocco
Morocco dominated Congo with a commanding 6-0 victory, maintaining their lead in Group E.
Ayoub El Kaabi’s hat trick highlighted the match, with additional goals from Azzedine Ounahi, Chadi Riad, and Soufiane Rahimi securing the Atlas Lions’ emphatic win.
Seychelles 1 – 3 Burundi
Burundi bolstered their chances of qualifying for the World Cup by defeating Seychelles 3-1.
A brace from Bienvenue Kanakimana and a first-half strike by Sudi Abdallah ensured a crucial win for the East Africans, moving them to third place in the table, behind Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon.
Angola 1 – 1 Cameroon
Bryan Mbeumo’s early goal gave Cameroon an initial lead away from home against Angola.
However, a lapse in concentration led to an unfortunate own goal by Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui just before the hour mark, resulting in a 1-1 draw and both teams sharing the points in Luanda.
