Source: Alamy Stock Photo

Egypt, Algeria, and Morocco Edge Closer to World Cup Qualification

Egypt moved one step closer to securing their fourth-ever FIFA World Cup appearance—following 1934, 1990, and 2018—after defeating Sierra Leone 1-0 in Cairo as part of Group A in the African qualifiers.

Ahmed Sayed “Zizo” scored the only goal in stoppage time of the first half (45+3), lifting Egypt to 16 points at the top of the standings, five points clear of second-placed Burkina Faso (11). Sierra Leone (8), Ethiopia and Guinea-Bissau (6 each), and Djibouti (1) trail behind.

Under the management of former star striker and current head coach Hossam Hassan, Egypt secured their fifth victory in the group, having drawn once.

The hosts dominated proceedings early on, but Sierra Leone’s defense remained compact, relying on quick counterattacks. The game lacked real danger apart from Mohamed Salah’s long-range shot that flew over the bar (14) and a powerful shot from Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” that was saved (26).

Zizo finally broke the deadlock in first-half stoppage time after Mohamed Abdelmonem sent a through ball to Trezeguet, who laid it off for the Zamalek winger to finish clinically.

This was Zizo’s second consecutive game on the scoresheet after netting against Ethiopia, taking his international tally to four goals in 46 appearances.

Egypt continued to dominate in the second half, with Marwan Attia striking the post (52).

Meanwhile, in Group G, Algeria delivered a statement performance with a 5-1 demolition of Mozambique at the Stade Hussein Aït Ahmed in Tizi Ouzou, thanks to a stunning hat-trick from Wolfsburg striker Mohamed Amoura.

The “Fennec Foxes” took control from the outset with a dangerous attacking trio of Amoura, Amine Gouiri, and Riyad Mahrez. Mozambique’s goalkeeper made early saves but was beaten in the 8th minute when Amoura converted a pinpoint Mahrez cross.

Mozambique posed some threats, with Alexis Guendouz making a crucial stop against Kambou Kweimpo (17). Algeria doubled their lead through Aïssa Mandi, who followed up on a rebound after a shot from Rayan Aït-Nouri (24).

Amoura struck again in the 30th minute, latching onto another Mahrez delivery after a dazzling dribble through the defense. Mozambique pulled one back in the 39th minute when Genny Katamo unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner.

Algeria restored their dominance in the second half, with defender Jony Hajjami heading in a perfect cross from Amoura (65). Amoura then completed his hat-trick with a low strike following an intricate team move (80).

With this win, Algeria moved three points clear at the top of Group G with 15 points, ahead of Mozambique (12).

In the same group, Uganda edged Guinea 1-0 thanks to an Allan Okello goal (36), while Botswana defeated Somalia 2-0 through goals from Gaby Mohutsiwa (73) and Mothusi Johnson (82).

Elsewhere, Morocco extended their winning streak with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania in Oujda as part of Group E.

Walid Regragui’s side controlled possession but lacked precision in the first half. However, they found the breakthrough early in the second period when Nayef Aguerd capitalized on a rebound off the Tanzanian goalkeeper (51).

Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz sealed the win from the penalty spot (55) after a handball inside the box.

Morocco now leads the group with 15 points, well ahead of Niger (6), Tanzania (6), and Zambia (3), as they continue their march toward the 2026 World Cup.

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