Senegal staged a dramatic comeback to defeat DR Congo 3-2 in Kinshasa on Tuesday, seizing control of Group B in the 2026 World Cup African qualifiers.
The hosts had gone 2-0 up through Cédric Bakambu and Yoane Wissa after a handling error by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Pape Gueye reduced the deficit with a powerful strike before Nicolas Jackson levelled from a rebound before the interval.
Pape Matar Sarr netted the decisive goal three minutes from time, sealing all three points for the Teranga Lions, who now lead the group ahead of October’s matches against South Sudan and Mauritania.
DR Congo, now second, face Togo and Sudan in must-win encounters to keep their hopes alive.
In Praia, Cape Verde edged Cameroon 1-0 to move four points clear at the top of Group D with two matches remaining.
Tino Livramento scored early in the second half, sprinting from his own half before firing past André Onana. The Blue Sharks had earlier threatened through Jovane Cabral, while Onana denied Livramento in the opening minutes.
Cameroon pressed late, with Carlos Baleba twice testing Vozinha and Onana joining a stoppage-time set-piece, but Cape Verde held firm to inflict Marc Brys’ first defeat as Indomitable Lions coach. Libya remain in contention in the group.
In Ouagadougou, Egypt were held to a goalless draw by Burkina Faso, missing the chance to secure early qualification.
The Pharaohs lost Omar Marmoush to injury and dominated possession, but struggled to break down a resilient defence. Mohamed Salah had a goal ruled out for offside, while Mostafa Mohamed spurned a late chance. Burkina Faso pushed through Bertrand Traoré, but neither side found a breakthrough, leaving the group wide open.
In Lomé, Togo recorded their first win of the campaign, defeating Sudan 1-0. Khaled Fofana scored with a near-post header from a corner, and the Sparrowhawks defended resolutely to secure the points.
Sudan remain third, with qualification hopes fading as the final window approaches.
In Uyo, Nigeria and South Africa battled to a 1-1 draw in a tense clash.
Bafana Bafana struck first when William Troost-Ekong diverted a cross into his own net, but Fisayo Dele-Bashiru set up Calvin Bassey for a powerful header to restore parity before half-time.
Both teams created second-half chances, with Nigeria dangerous on the counter, but South Africa’s defence held firm. The result keeps Bafana Bafana in a strong position to top the group, while Nigeria may need maximum points in their remaining fixtures or risk a play-off route.
(NAN)