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
-
Mahamud Iddi wins TCL Electronics worth GH¢100,000 in EGL’s Akye3de3 Kese3 Promotion
2 hours -
Lands Minister, NAIMOS mourn fallen soldier killed during anti-galamsey operation in Obuasi
2 hours -
Ghana Impact Project donates $20k to restore mobility for children
2 hours -
JoyNews’ Kwaku Asante named Best Radio and TV Journalist in Parliamentary Reporting
3 hours -
Education Ministry updates EMIS indicators to strengthen ICT integration in schools
4 hours -
Interior Ministry declares Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day public holidays
4 hours -
President Mahama directs Finance Ministry to disburse $78m for completion of Takoradi–Agona-Nkwanta road
4 hours -
Interior Minister lauds NIA staff for dedication, pledges continued government support
4 hours -
First Atlantic Bank will run a “proper and decent business” to protect shareholder value – CEO
5 hours -
First Atlantic Bank targets African expansion as IPO strengthens capital, governance
5 hours -
First Atlantic Bank CEO attributes IPO and GSE listing decision to renewed confidence in Ghana’s economy
5 hours -
GPL 2025/26: Bechem United end All Blacks 6-game unbeaten run
5 hours -
Eggs fly off shelves as shoppers throng The Multimedia Group’s X’mas Egg Market on final day
6 hours -
Bankable energy: Why Africa’s downstream sector is the next global investment frontier
6 hours -
Working Capital Management: Do’s and don’ts to consider for 2026
7 hours
