Mohamed Amoura scored twice as Algeria cruised to a 3-0 win over Somalia on Thursday, securing their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Desert Foxes join Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt as Africa’s confirmed qualifiers.
Amoura opened the scoring in the sixth minute, volleying home a Riyad Mahrez cross. Mahrez doubled the lead midway through the first half, finishing off a loose ball, before setting up Amoura again in the 57th minute. With the win secured, coach Vladimir Petkovic substituted both scorers.
The result in Oran was no surprise, with Algeria ranked 163 places above Somalia. They now lead Group G with 22 points, four ahead of Uganda with one match remaining. Mozambique, Guinea, Botswana, and Somalia trail behind.
Much of the pre-match focus was on Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, who recently switched his international allegiance to Algeria. The Granada goalkeeper was named on the bench, with Alexis Guendouz starting.
Algeria will be making their fifth World Cup appearance and their first since 2014, when they reached the Round of 16 before falling 2-1 to eventual champions Germany.
Kenya edge Burundi in fiery Derby
In Bujumbura, Ryan Ogam’s 73rd-minute goal gave Kenya a 1-0 win over Burundi in a heated East African derby. Burundi played almost the entire match with 10 men after Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana was sent off for a reckless foul on goalkeeper Brian Okoth, who was replaced due to injury.
Kenya struggled to capitalize on their numerical advantage early on, with Burundi goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana making a crucial save in first-half stoppage time. But Ogam eventually broke the deadlock, lifting Kenya to third in Group F, eight points behind leaders Ivory Coast.
Ivory Coast close to qualification
Ivory Coast and Gabon are neck-and-neck in Group F, separated by just one point heading into Friday’s matches. The Ivorians face the Seychelles in Mauritius due to stadium issues, while Gabon visit Gambia in Nairobi, another team without a FIFA-approved home ground.
Ivory Coast will book their fourth World Cup appearance—and first since 2014—if they win and Gabon lose.
Nine qualifiers are scheduled for Friday, including three in Group C, where five teams—Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Lesotho—all remain in contention for top spot.
Benin lead South Africa on goal difference, with both three points ahead of Nigeria and Rwanda. Lesotho are five points off the pace but remain in contention thanks to FIFA awarding them a 3-0 win after South Africa fielded ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in their March meeting.
AFP
