Audio By Carbonatix
Ivory Coast and Senegal claimed Africa's final two automatic qualifying spots for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as both sides registered victories on Tuesday.
Senegal claimed a 4-0 home win over Mauritania to secure first place in Group B.
A Sadio Mane free-kick put the hosts ahead on the stroke of half-time, and the former Liverpool forward slotted in his second before Iliman Ndiaye added a fine solo effort and Habib Diallo rounded off the scoring late on.
The Teranga Lions finished the campaign two points ahead of DR Congo, who beat Sudan 1-0 thanks to Theo Bongonda's first-half strike.
Elsewhere, Franck Kessie gave the Ivory Coast an early lead against Kenya in Group F and teenager Yan Diomande fired in to double the lead after the break.
Manchester United's Amad curled in a fine free-kick to give the Elephants a 3-0 victory in Abidjan.
That result meant the reigning continental champions finished a point ahead of Gabon, who saw off Burundi 2-0 in Franceville after late goals from Bryan Meyo and Mario Lemina.
The Ivorians, who return to the World Cup finals for the first time since 2014, went through the entire 10-game group campaign without conceding a goal, one of two nations on the continent to do so alongside Tunisia.
Ivory Coast and Senegal join Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Cape Verde and South Africa in booking their ticket to next year's World Cup finals.
One more side - the winners of next month's continental play-offs - could join that group if they emerge from an inter-confederation tournament in March next year.
Cameroon, DR Congo, Gabon and Nigeria finished as the four best-ranked second-placed sides across the nine groups, and one of those sides will have the chance to become Africa's 10th representative at the expanded 48-team World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The Confederation of African Football is yet to announce a date for the play-off draw.
Latest Stories
-
Nkrumah Never Dies: Celebrating the visionary who awakened a continent
15 minutes -
Hassan Ayariga calls for Ghanaian ownership in strategic investment deals
15 minutes -
Black Stars: Thomas-Asante receives late call-up for September-October games
1 hour -
NPP Techiman South demands immediate release of detained Nurse Salomey Awiti Baffoe
1 hour -
‘Let’s stop the politics’ — Dafeamekpor calls for united fight against drug trafficking
1 hour -
Chief Justice Baffoe-Bonnie leads new 11-member Council for Legal Education and Training Board
2 hours -
Decades of silent diplomacy: Baba Issifu Kamara at 70
2 hours -
30% transport fare hike still on the table, talks resume Tuesday – GPRTU
2 hours -
KATH marks 70th anniversary with inter-directorate games
3 hours -
Black Stars: Godwin Attram replaces Desmond Ofei as assistant coach
3 hours -
Nkrumah never dies
3 hours -
CalBank ‘Abakade Promo’ rewards 5 customers with GH¢25,000 in first draw
3 hours -
Ecobank, Joy Business to host financial dialogue on green finance and inclusive agri-growth in Ghana
4 hours -
Nkrumah’s vision remains relevant to Ghana’s future — Mahama
4 hours -
Hitz FM announces Beach Rave for October 31
4 hours