Three matches were on the program this Saturday, November 18, for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Reigning African champions Senegal put on a show, winning 4-0 despite the closed-door suspension imposed by FIFA. Earlier in the day, South Africa and Niger also won their respective groups.
Senegal, aiming for a third consecutive World Cup qualification after 2018 and 2022, got their Group B campaign for the 2026 World Cup off to the perfect start with a 4-0 home win over South Sudan on Saturday November 18. And as if it were written in stone, it was Sadio Mané who came out on top, right from the start of the match. The Lions' number 10, celebrating his 100th cap, first set up Pape Matar Sarr for the opening goal (1st), his 25th assist (best passer) with the Lions.
The Al Nassr player then doubled the lead in the 6th minute, his 39th goal (top scorer) for Senegal. New signing Lamine Camara (19), making his first start, scored the 3rd goal in the 46th minute. 3-0 at the break. After the break, Sadio Mané (56th, sp) scored twice and his 40th goal for his country. An ideal evening for the former Liverpool man.Senegal are now top of their group, ahead of DR Congo (2nd, 3 pts). They then travel to Togo on Tuesday November 21 for Matchday 2.
South Africa calm, Niger surprised
In Group C, South Africa got off to an ideal start to their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign. Bafana Bafana beat Benin 2-1 on Saturday, November 18. Hugo Broos' men made the difference in the first half. South African star Percy Tau opened the scoring in the 2nd minute. Then, in added time (45+2), Khuliso Mudau doubled the lead.Benin reduced the deficit in the 70th minute thanks to Steve Mounié. However, this did not prevent Benin from going 12 games unbeaten. South Africa took the lead in Group C, benefiting from a draw with their main rivals, Nigeria. The Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho on Thursday.
For their part, Tanzania pulled off the perfect hold-up with a 1-0 win over Niger. Charles M'Bombwa (56th) scored the only goal of the game.In Group E, Tanzania are joint leaders with Zambia (3 pts).
