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
-
Pope Leo criticises Equatorial Guinea prisons as he winds up Africa tour
5 hours -
Nigeria’s suspected coup plotters deny treason charges
5 hours -
Officials release cause of death for teen found dead in singer D4vd’s trunk
5 hours -
Billionaire backer sues Trump family’s crypto firm over alleged extortion
5 hours -
KNUST study shows widespread exposure to infectious body fluids among Ghana health workers
5 hours -
Energy Minister assures swift action to end power outages, boost electricity reliability
5 hours -
UK and France strike new ÂŁ662m small boats deal
5 hours -
Gov’t to fix major infrastructural deficits at Bole NMTC to enhance academic excellence – President Mahama
6 hours -
The Church of Pentecost raises alarm over galamsey impact on baptism and livelihoods
6 hours -
BoG threatens penalties for non-compliance with disability inclusion rules
6 hours -
Police foil planned robbery in Obuasi, 2 suspects arrested
6 hours -
Gov’t moves to scrap Middle Belt, Coastal Development Authorities
6 hours -
SM Cares Foundation pledges continued care for orphaned children
7 hours -
Paediatric Society urges Mahama to push global crime against humanity status for galamsey
7 hours -
Bekwai MP commissions rehabilitated 72-year-old Queen Elizabeth Nursery School
7 hours