Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus inspired Ghana to a vital 3-0 victory over Madagascar, boosting their chances of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meanwhile, reigning African champions Ivory Coast edged The Gambia 1-0 to reclaim the top spot in Group F.
Ghana Extends Lead in Group I
Despite missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Ghana remains in pole position for World Cup qualification. The Black Stars now sit five points ahead of second-placed Madagascar in Group I, with top-seeded Mali trailing in third after being held to a goalless draw against the Central African Republic.
Partey set Ghana on their way in the 11th minute, heading in a precise free-kick from Jordan Ayew. The Arsenal midfielder doubled the lead early in the second half, again connecting with an Ayew corner. Five minutes later, captain Ayew turned provider once more, threading a perfect through ball for Kudus to slot home.
Ghana’s dominant win, following their 5-0 thrashing of Chad on Friday, puts them in a strong position with four matches remaining in the qualifiers.
Haller Header Sends Ivory Coast to the Summit
Sebastien Haller’s first-half header secured a 1-0 victory for Ivory Coast against The Gambia, propelling them back to the top of Group F.
The Elephants started brightly, with Brighton winger Simon Adingra delivering a pinpoint cross for Haller to nod home in the 15th minute. However, The Gambia threatened to equalize on multiple occasions, forcing Ivory Coast goalkeeper Yahia Fofana into crucial saves.
Despite a nervy finish, Fofana’s heroics ensured Ivory Coast maintained their unbeaten record in the qualifiers, although their performances against Burundi and The Gambia have been less than convincing.
Tunisia Leaves It Late Against 10-Man Malawi
Tunisia tightened their grip on Group H with a 2-0 victory over Malawi, thanks to two late goals.
Malawi, who played the final half-hour with 10 men following Lloyd Aaron’s red card, held firm until the 86th minute when Seifeddine Jaziri capitalized on defensive lapses to head Tunisia into the lead. Elias Achouri then converted a stoppage-time penalty, while Carthage Eagles goalkeeper Aymen Dahmen denied Malawi a late consolation by saving Richard Mbulu’s penalty in the 98th minute.
Tunisia now sits four points clear of Namibia, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Equatorial Guinea.
Ethiopia Thrashes Djibouti to Revive Campaign
Ethiopia produced a stunning attacking display, dismantling Djibouti 6-1 to register their first win in the qualifiers.
Bereket Desta and Abubeker Nassir both netted hat-tricks as the Walya Antelopes ran riot in Morocco. Desta opened the scoring in the 19th minute and added two more in the second half, while Nassir struck in the 34th, 37th, and 58th minutes. Djibouti briefly responded through Samuel Akinbinu, but Ethiopia’s relentless attack proved too much to handle.
The result lifts Ethiopia to fourth in Group A, though they remain seven points behind leaders Egypt, who have a game in hand.
Burkina Faso Cuts Egypt’s Lead
Lassina Traore scored twice as Burkina Faso secured a crucial 2-1 away win against Guinea-Bissau in Group A. The victory reduces Egypt’s lead at the top to just two points.
African World Cup Qualifying Results (Monday, June 10, 2024)
- Group A: Guinea-Bissau 1-2 Burkina Faso
- Group A: Ethiopia 6-1 Djibouti
- Group F: Ivory Coast 1-0 The Gambia
- Group H: Namibia 1-1 Equatorial Guinea
- Group H: Liberia 2-1 São Tomé e Príncipe
- Group H: Tunisia 2-0 Malawi
- Group I: Central African Republic 0-0 Mali
- Group I: Madagascar 0-3 Ghana
With the sixth round of matches concluding on Tuesday, 15 fixtures across eight groups will shape the race for Africa’s nine automatic World Cup spots, while the best second-placed teams continue to fight for a playoff berth.
