Benin, Cape Verde, Gabon, and Mozambique have emerged as surprise leaders in their respective World Cup qualifying groups as the African preliminaries for the 2026 World Cup approach the halfway point.
Cape Verde sits atop Group D after a late Yannick Semedo goal secured a 1-0 victory over Mauritius, putting them on 10 points, just ahead of Cameroon with 9 points.
In Group G, Mozambique claimed the top spot following a 3-1 win over Uganda in Cairo. The victory came after two costly goalkeeping errors by Ismail Watenga and a first-half red card for Uganda’s Denis Omedi. Mozambique, with four wins from five matches, has a three-point lead over Algeria, who face Botswana on Friday.
Benin also moved to the top of Group C despite squandering a two-goal lead against Zimbabwe. Steve Mounie and Francisco Doku put Benin ahead, but Zimbabwe’s Knowledge Musona equalized in the second half. However, Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou prevented Musona from completing a dramatic comeback by blocking a late effort.
Gabon, powered by Denis Bouanga’s brace, claimed a comfortable 3-0 victory over Seychelles to maintain their lead in Group A.
Elsewhere, Namibia defeated Malawi 1-0 in Group H, staying in contention for the top spot behind Tunisia, who won in Liberia.
Sierra Leone secured their first win of the qualifiers under new coach Mohamed Kallon, beating Guinea Bissau 3-1 in Liberia. Despite the win, both teams trail Group A leaders Egypt, who have 10 points.
The qualifying campaign continues on Friday, with 11 more matches scheduled across Africa as teams battle for a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
