The first day of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup continued this Thursday, November 16. Algeria and Egypt hit the ground running with respective wins over Somalia and Djibouti. Nigeria, on the other hand, missed out completely by drawing with Lesotho (1-1).
Mohamed Salah scores four against Djibouti
Egypt got off to a flying start in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. The Pharaohs thrashed Djibouti 6-0 in Group A and Reds striker Mohamed Salah was on top form with a quadruple (17th, 22nd, 48th, 69th). Mostafa Mohamed (73rd) and Trezeguet (89th) scored the other two Egyptian goals.
Algeria also did well at home. In their opening qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, the Greens beat Somalia 3-1. The game got off to an ideal start when Abdi drove the ball into his own net early on (2nd).Bounedjah followed up on the half-hour mark with a close-range finish from a loose ball (31st). But with their team shuffled at half-time and three changes already made, the Algerians saw the Somalis reduce the deficit with a goal from Abatari, who was quickest to convert a free-kick at the far post (65th). It was not until Slimani came on that Belmadi's men regained their attacking élan. The striker made his mark 10 minutes after coming on, scoring the 3-1 winner to round off the scoring (80th). With this result, Algeria take the lead in Group G of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Greens have three points, as do Mozambique, who beat Botswana (3-2).
Burundi dominate Gambia, Mozambique win in Botswana
Burundi also got off to a good start in their qualifying campaign for the 2026 World Cup. At home, Les Hirondelles beat Gambia's Scorpions 3-2. Bigirimana (31st) and Nsabiyumva (35th) put the Burundians on the road to victory (2-0) and when Omar Colley pulled a goal back for the Gambians just before half-time (2-1), Sudi restored Burundi's two-goal cushion in the 75th minute. In stoppage time, Colley reduced the deficit again with a brace.But the Swallows held off a comeback to claim their first win in Group F. Mozambique have also made a good start to their campaign. They beat Botswana 3-2 in Group G.
Gabon topple Kenya, Nigeria held at bay
Gabon came from behind to defeat Kenya in Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Panthers were almost taken by surprise by the Harembee Stars. The latter opened the scoring in the 40th minute. The Gabonese then struggled to equalize. It wasn't until the 60th minute that Dennis Bounga scored. At the very end of the match, G. Kanga gave his side their first three points of the qualifiers.
Nigeria, on the other hand, missed their opening game. The Super Eagles were held 1-1 at home by Lesotho. The Super Eagles had a strong attacking force, but only managed to score one goal. It was West Bromwich Albion defender Semi Ajayi who scored that goal for the Nigerians (67th), who had been trailing since the 56th minute.Victor Boniface and his team-mates travel to Zimbabwe on Matchday 2. This will take place on Sunday November 19 at 13:00 GMT.
There were no winner between Sudan and Togo in the group. The two teams played out a draw. B. M. Eisa opened the scoring from the penalty spot (17th) for the Sudanese team. K.Denkey equalized late in the second half (43rd).
