Day 2 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers continued on Monday November 20, 2023. Mali were held to a draw by the Central African Republic, while Madagascar beat Chad. At the same time, Kenya were held to a draw by Seychelles.
Mali held to a draw
While waiting for Ghana, Group I was out in full force on Day 2 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Mali had the opportunity to make up for lost time after their 3-1 win over Chad. The Eagles hosted the Central African Republic to confirm their promising start. It took a long time for the match to ignite. It was not until the second half that Mali finally opened the scoring through Kamory Doumbia (76th).
But the pleasure was short-lived. At the other end, the Central African Republic called on their best player, Geoffrey Kondogbia (79th), to equalize, air-condition the stadium and put the finishing touches to the match. A disappointing result for Mali, who will settle for 4 points and a provisional lead. As for the Central African Republic, it's a big blow for their accounts, with 1 point gained after their Day 1 defeat by the Comoros.
The winner of Day 2 in this group is Madagascar. Having lost to Ghana, the Barea have just picked up their first 3 points in these 2026 World Cup qualifiers. A clean sweep against Chad (0-3). With a brace from Rakotoharimalala (10th and 84th) and a goal from Lapoussin (91st), Madagascar put the pressure on Mali.
Seychelles may well be the opponent to make up the statistics. After conceding 9 goals against Côte d'Ivoire three days earlier, they took another beating on Monday. Kenya took advantage. After losing to Gabon, it was time for a win and a clean bill of health offensively. Doubles from Olunga (3rd and 6th), Choka (45th), Onyango (62nd) and Omalla (73rd). An attacking feast that got the Kenyans off to a good start in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
