Cape Verde are on the brink of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup for the first time after shocking African giants Cameroon 1-0 in Praia on Tuesday.
Dalion Livramento’s superb solo strike in the 54th minute sealed a famous win for the Blue Sharks, who now lead Group D by four points with two matches left. The midfielder dispossessed Carlos Baleba in his own half, surged through the Cameroonian defence, and calmly slotted past Andre Onana to spark wild celebrations.
The Indomitable Lions, five-time African champions, struggled to respond, with Bryan Mbeumo’s penalty appeal waved away and Vozinha denying Flavien Boyomo late on. The victory sparked a jubilant pitch invasion, as fans waved flags and lit flares in scenes of unrestrained joy.
Cape Verde, who have impressed in recent Africa Cup of Nations campaigns, now need just three points from their final fixtures against Libya and Eswatini to confirm their place at the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
Elsewhere, Senegal came from two goals down to defeat DR Congo 3-2 in Kinshasa and take charge of Group B.
The Leopards raced into a 2-0 lead through Cedric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa inside 33 minutes, but the Teranga Lions hit back. Pape Gueye tapped in before half-time, Nicolas Jackson levelled shortly after the restart, and Tottenham’s Pape Matar Sarr struck the winner with three minutes left.
The result puts Senegal two points clear at the top, with DR Congo left ruing a missed opportunity in front of their passionate home crowd.
In Group F, Ivory Coast maintained their slender one-point advantage after a 0-0 draw away to Gabon. The Elephants, who last appeared at the World Cup in 2014, were nearly undone late on when Shavy Babicka hit the post.
Egypt also missed the chance to secure early qualification from Group A after a goalless draw with Burkina Faso. The Pharaohs remain favourites to progress but will now need to wait until the next round of fixtures.
Nigeria’s bid for automatic qualification suffered another setback as the Super Eagles were held 1-1 by South Africa in Bloemfontein.
William Troost-Ekong’s own goal handed Bafana Bafana the lead in the 25th minute, but Fulham defender Calvin Bassey equalised just before the break with a powerful header.
The result leaves Nigeria six points adrift of leaders South Africa, who are on the verge of returning to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. However, the Super Eagles could still benefit if FIFA confirms sanctions against South Africa for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho in March.
With only group winners guaranteed qualification, Morocco and Tunisia have already secured their spots at the finals. Four of the best second-placed teams will enter play-offs to fight for one additional African slot via an intercontinental playoff next year.
