Matchday 5 of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday shook the group standings, conjuring up significant results in the fight for World Cup qualification.
In Group A, Sierra Leone climbed to second place after a 3-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau. The Leone Stars dominated the match, with goals from Mustapha Bundu, Musa Kamara, and Ibrahim Turay ensuring victory.
Tambe Monteiro’s goal proved to be a consolation for the Bissau-Guineans, who showed
character by narrowing the deficit.
Benin, meanwhile saw their hopes dimmed following an unlikely comeback by Zimbabwe.
After leading 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Steve Mounie and Dodo Dokou, the Beninese saw the Warriors fight back with two goals of their own from Marshal Munetsi and Knowledge Musona.
This leaves the visitors provisionally at the summit of Group C with eight points.
In Group D, Cape Verde took the lead by beating Mauritius 1-0 thanks to a decisive goal from Yannick Semedo in the final minutes. This victory puts the Cape Verdeans at the top of their group with 10 points, one ahead of Cameroon.
In Group I, Mali defeated the Comoros 3-0, making a serious reckoning for qualification. The Eagles made the difference with goals from Nene Dorgeles and Kamory Doumbia, which allows them to move within touching distance of Madagascar who top the group.
On the other hand, Libya settled for a frustrating 1-1 draw against Angola, a result that relegated them to 3rd place in their group, behind Cape Verde and Cameroon.
The tie, secured in injury time, left Aliou Cisse with a bitter taste in the mouth on his first day as
Libya head coach.
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