Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido has been called up to the Honour-sponsored Bafana Bafana squad for South Africa’s vital 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, following injury concerns over Lyle Foster.

The club confirmed the late inclusion on their official website.

Cupido returns to the national team for the first time since June 2025, when he scored his debut goal in a friendly win over Mozambique. The 24-year-old forward, who has six senior caps, was also part of the squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup.

South Africa currently sits second in Group C, making Tuesday’s clash at Mbombela Stadium (18h00 kick-off) a must-win to secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.

MOLOISANE REPLACES MBOKAZI

Cupido joins fellow Stellenbosch teammate Thabo Moloisane, who was added to the squad in place of suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi, sent off in the goalless draw against Zimbabwe.

This marks Moloisane’s second successive call-up, having featured in last month’s 3-0 win over Lesotho. Coach Hugo Broos now faces a selection dilemma at centre back, with Moloisane, Sibisi, Khoza, and Ndamane all in contention.

PREDICTED BAFANA BAFANA XI v RWANDA

Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Moloisane, Sibisi, Mokoena, Sithole, Mbule, Apollis, Nkota, Cupido

Tunisia earned their ninth win in 10 Caf Fifa World Cup qualifiers this week with a convincing 3-0 victory over Namibia at the Hammadi Agrebi Stadium in Radès on Monday afternoon.

There was little to separate the two sides during the first 10 minutes of the match, as a battle for the ball broke out in the middle of the park. However, as the dust settled, so did Tunisia, who began to probe en route to goal.

Tunisia were then awarded a penalty moments before the half-hour mark, after Hannibal Mejbri was fouled inside the 18-yard area. Ali Al-Abdi then stepped up to the spot and subsequently sent the goalkeeper in the opposite direction.

The Eagles of Carthage dominated for much of the encounter after opening the scoring and came close to doubling their advantage on a couple of occasions. With a goal to the good, the referee called time on the first half with Tunisia firmly in the driver’s seat.

Tunisia remained on the attack at the restart and immediately put their opponents under pressure. Then, while Hannibal won the penalty that earned Tunisia’s first goal, the attacking midfielder then doubled his nation’s advantage in the 55th minute.

With Namibia playing under the cosh, Tunisia strengthened their grip on the tie with another goal in the 64th minute, this time through Ferjani Sassi, who joined in on the fun.

Tunisia kicked into game management mode after their third effort, while Namibia battled to progress the ball upfield.

Tunisia managed to see out a 3-0 win on home soil with a 13-point lead over Namibia at the top of the pile in Group H.

Tunisia: (1) 3 (Al-Abdi 28’, Hannibal 55’, Sassi 64’)

Namibia: 0

Tunisia: Dahmen, Valery, Bronn, Talbi, Abdi, Laidouni (Skhiri 46’), Sassi (Neffati 81’), Tounekti (Sliti 46’), Mejbri, Saad (Gharbi 65’), Mastouri (Chaouat 72’)

Namibia: Ndisiro, Hanamub, K. Amutenya, Hambira (Shidolo 67’), Katua, Hotto (Kulula 86’), P. Amutenya, Petrus, Fredericks (Ndeunyema 63’), Muzeu (Karuuombe 63’), Shalulile (Hambongo 86’)

Anxious Bafana Bafana supporters can draw confidence from the national team’s record at Mbombela Stadium as they hope for success against Rwanda in South Africa’s key World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. 

Catch the action live on SuperSport.

South Africa go into the must-win game having never lost previously at the Nelspruit venue, which has been a fortress for the national side in their 10 previous visits, all since 2010, with six victories and four draws.

The Mbombela Stadium, however, is also the scene of their greatest embarrassment to date when Bafana played to a 0-0 draw with Sierra Leone in the belief that it would qualify them for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals, and celebrated only to discover they had been pipped by Niger, having failed to understand the rules on goal difference and head-to-head tiebreakers.

Bafana’s first game at the venue in May 2010 helped to open the stadium ahead of the country’s hosting of the World Cup with a 4-0 win over Thailand, a result that figured in a betting scandal with the opposition having been paid to suffer a heavy defeat.

In Cup of Nations qualifiers, South Africa beat Niger in September 2010 with goals for Katlego Mphela and Bernard Parker, and they drew with Sierra Leone in the same campaign, while in the 2017 Cup of Nations campaign, they ended their fixtures with a draw against Mauritania.

They have beaten nearby neighbours Mozambique twice; Gabon 3-0, Ivory Coast 2-0, and drew 1-1 with both Angola and Nigeria.

On Tuesday, a Bafana win coupled with a loss for Benin to Nigeria in Uyo at the same time will see South Africa qualify for next year’s World Cup.

GROUP C PERMUTATIONS

Nigeria and Benin will face off in a crucial Group C 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier, as both teams chase a berth at the global tournament in North America. Their clash is set for the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on the evening of Tuesday.

Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.

FORM

Benin hold a two-point lead over South Africa at the top of Group C after a clutch 1-0 away win over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday evening, as Tosin Aiyegun struck with 10 minutes of injury time remaining.

The Cheetahs are therefore just a win away from guaranteeing top spot and a first-ever qualification to the World Cup.

However, a Nigeria win by two clear goals would see the third-placed Super Eagles go level on points with Benin and surpass them on goal difference. Provided South Africa don’t win their concurrent game at home to Rwanda, then Eric Chelle’s side would take top spot and qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2018.

Nigeria find themselves in this position thanks to a 2-1 away win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday, with William Troost-Ekong and Akor Adams scoring goals for the West African heavyweights.

WHAT THE TEAMS ARE SAYING

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is delighted that his team is still in with a chance of automatic qualification for the World Cup:

“We're happy because we got the three points - we're still alive. I'm proud of my players and I want to congratulate them," he said.

"Since March, we've been feeling the pressure because Nigeria must qualify for the World Cup. Hopefully, other teams will start to feel that same pressure too.

"We need our fans behind us to put pressure on Benin. This is World Cup qualification - it starts the moment they arrive in our country. We must finish the job on the pitch.”

Benin coach Gernot Rohr has warned his team against counting their chickens before they hatch:

“But for those who think we’re already at the World Cup because we happen to be first, we shouldn’t get too excited.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nigeria: Akor Adams

A goal-scoring showing off the bench against Lesotho on Friday may be enough for Akor Adams to get a starting role against Benin. The 25-year-old Sevilla forward will hope his energy and physicality can inspire the Super Eagles to a potentially decisive victory.

Benin: Steve Mounie

Captain and key striker Steve Mounie has been fundamental to the Cheetah’s coming so close to qualification, scoring five goals (the most of any player in Group C). If he can find the net again and lead Benin to a famous win, then immortality will be guaranteed for the 31-year-old forward.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The teams last met in Matchday 4 of the qualifiers back in June 2024, with Benin claiming a 2-1 ‘home’ win in Abidjan thanks to goals from Jodel Dossou and Steve Mounie.

Equatorial Guinea have fired coach Juan Micha and kicked out several key players after a strike meant the team failed to travel to Malawi for a World Cup qualifier, with the country now facing possible sanctions from world football body Fifa.

Several regulars, including veteran captain Emilio Nsue, have also been removed from their squad for their last Group H qualifier against Liberia on Monday, officials said on Sunday.

Key players refused to travel for their penultimate group qualifier last Thursday, citing continual complaints over conditions and money, after which the coach and some players were kicked out of the squad.

Micha's dismissal was confirmed in a social media post from the Equatorial Guinea Football Federation.

"The Ministry of Sports has given players called up for these Fifa matches who believe they can continue to defend their country the opportunity to put their names on a list," the statement added.

"Otherwise, anyone who doesn't do so will be deemed to have opted out and will no longer be part of the national team."

A new squad has since been named for Monday's match, with Casto Nopo appointed interim coach.

The list excludes many of the players who were in the squad at the last Cup of Nations, where Equatorial Guinea caused a major sensation by beating hosts Ivory Coast 4-0 in the group phase.

The result was hailed as the biggest shock in Cup of Nations history and followed an upset 1-1 draw with Nigeria in their opening fixture of the tournament in early 2024.

Equatorial Guinea finished ahead of the two heavyweights in the group standings but were then eliminated in the last 16 by a last-gasp goal for Guinea.

Since then, Equatorial Guinea have qualified for the upcoming Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, which kicks off on December 21, but are out of contention for a place at next year’s World Cup.

Kenya opened a match-fixing investigation on Thursday following allegations that a national team goalkeeper helped rig an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed it was aware of videos circulating online involving goalkeeper Patrick Matasi which raised concern about the possibility of match manipulation.

"FKF upholds the integrity of football and has launched an official investigation, in collaboration with Fifa, CAF, and other relevant authorities," the Kenya football board said in a statement.

"We reaffirm our zero-tolerance policy on match manipulation and are committed to safeguarding the credibility of our competition."

The secretly filmed online amateur video seen by AFP shows an unnamed man talking to Matasi over a plan to fix a match in return for cash.

The former AFC Leopards and Tusker goalkeeper, who also had a playing stint with Ethiopian side Coffee Sports Club, played in Kenya's 4-1 loss to former African champions Cameroon in a 2025 Afcon qualifier in Yaounde last October.

The defeat dimmed Kenya's hopes of qualifying for the finals in Morocco, and led to the resignation of the team's coach Engin Firat.

Matasi was dropped from the team by the new coach Benni McCarthy and did not feature in the recent 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Gambia and Gabon.

Kenyan football has been hit by the dark shadow of match-fixing malpractices in the recent past with 14 players and two coaches suspended by the FKF in January 2023 following a tip-off about cheating in the national league.

In February 2020, Fifa banned four Kenyan-based players -– one for life -– over an "international conspiracy" to fix league matches.

Five Kenyan referees were also later suspended over the same scandal.

The Kenya Institute of Public Policy Research and Analysis, an independent think tank, warned that match-fixing had infiltrated multiple levels of Kenyan football from grassroots competitions to the professional leagues.

"This has left a trail of disillusionment among fans and undermined the integrity of football and could lead to loss of public trust and confidence in the football industry," the organisation said in a January 2024 report.

South Africa coach Hugo Broos hailed his team after they finished off their last assignment for the year by securing top place in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group as they marked a 200th win with a 3-0 victory over South Sudan in Cape Town.

It has been a busy year for the national team with 19 games played already since their 2-0 loss to Mali at the start of the Africa Cup of Nations finals campaign in Ivory Coast in January.

Unbeaten and top of Group K 🔝

Hugo Broos ball is going to Morocco in 2025 😏⏭️#AFCON2025 | #AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/3RNuSpgs6u

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 19, 2024

They have not lost a game since then and on Tuesday set a new record of 19 games without defeat.

This is what Broos said after the victory at the Cape Town Stadium

“First of all, I have to congratulate my team for the performance of today. Not only for the performance, but also for the mentality this team showed all for the 90 minutes. During the pre-match meeting, I showed them a few results of teams who were already qualified, but who lost last game – Tunisia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso. They all lose. I asked the players not to spoil the party today, and that shows, again, the mentality that we have in the team.

"Those guys are hungry. Those guys know to take their responsibility in front of a big crowd. They couldn't disappoint them, and they didn't, from the first minute we played good football, there was a high tempo. We had chances during all the game. I think we made the people happy. And this is something that is very important too. More and more, we are winning supporters back, it's a big difference from two years ago, when there were 2 000 or 5 000 people coming to see our games.

"People are coming because when they come to the stadium, they see something. And this is what we always wanted to do, and now we are able to do it because we have a good team. So the fact that this team still played 90 minutes at 100 per cent effort to be first in the group, I think is the right mentality. They showed that. I'm very proud to be their coach.”

What a night in Cape Town, what a group of players, what a team!!!!! Qualified, top of the group, unbeaten and swashbuckling........#BafanaPride #AfconQualifier pic.twitter.com/hqxEEWM6tF

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 20, 2024

On the style of the victory

“There was movement in all the team. There was high tempo, good passing. What I asked also was to play deep, to make actions on the wings, to have much movement in the team. You can ask a team or players to do something, but when you don't see it on the pitch, then you're always a little bit disappointed as a coach, but today, what I asked them in the pre match meeting this afternoon, they wanted to do it, and they did it also.

"And you see when you play that kind of football, then it's very difficult for the opponent, because from everywhere, there were players coming, one goes deep, the other comes back. It was always movement in the team, and we only lost a few seconds of focus. That was the moment in the first half when they got a chance. But for the rest, everybody stay focused and stay concentrated for the 90 minutes. And again, this is what you want as a coach. And I repeat it again. I'm very proud today.”

That's how it ended pic.twitter.com/xeSQyA4brN

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 19, 2024

On selection headaches in the future with many players in good form

“You know, when you try to build a team, you always try to have complementary players. In the midfield, for example, we have Tebeho (Mokoena) – technical player, good player, maybe a little bit less power, so you need on the other side, a guy who has the power, who is maybe not the best player, but to push your team forward. Before that was (Yaya) Sithole. That's why we made such a good Afcon in January, because, they were complimenting each other.

"Sithole is not there anymore (injured). And I always liked Batusi (Aubaas). Batusi is not the finest player, the guy who will give the final pass, but there is power, and you need that. You need that in modern football. You can have good technical skills, but there is something else, and that is the physical side of football that is able to play 90 minutes, to have the power. And we have that power in our team now, and we had it also in Afcon and that's why we got good results.

"That's why we can compete with teams like Algeria, like Ivory Coast. I think two years ago, it was not possible. And this is also something, what I mean when I say that the level of PSL is not high enough. Technically it's okay, there are good players, but yeah … for (Relebogile) Mofokeng it is a little bit too early now to put him in the team from the beginning.

"He is not a powerful player, so you need someone next to him that can do the work for him. And this is what we try to do every time when we select players. I understand that people are sometimes, ‘why not this one?’ I don’t choose players like this. ‘Oh, this is a good player. We chose him’. No! You have to build a team, and I think we did that in the last two years. And, yeah, we have a good team now, and this is very important.”

South Africa's first match in the Western Cape in nine years ends with a comfortable victory 👏🇿🇦#AFCON2025 | #AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/xJH9RkqKvU

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 19, 2024

On crowds for Bafana matches getting bigger

“I said that always, you can't ask people to come to the stadium when you have a team that doesn't play good, a team that loses. It's impossible, I think, to ask you to go and see them, when you know this is bad team. What am I going to do there? So you need first of all to win your people, to win your supporters, and then they have to come.

"You win supporters with your results. If the results are not there, nobody's coming to watch you. You don't go to a concert of a singer when they cannot sing. You want to go to a concert of someone you like, it's because you like the way they are singing. And that's the same with football. When you can't entertain the people on the stands, people don't come. Now, everybody is happy. In March, the next game for World Cup, there will be a crowd, because everyone want to see us. And this is, I think, is a great achievement.”

The final field for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) was completed on Tuesday by Tanzania, Botswana and Mozambique, as 13 matches were played across the continent to complete the qualification campaign.

Tanzania became qualifier number 22 thanks to their 1-0 win over Guinea in Dar es Salaam in an afternoon kick-off in Group H.

Simon Msuva’s goal just past the hour mark saw the Taifa Stars leapfrog the Syli National on the log standings and join group winners DR Congo (who lost 2-1 to Ethiopia in an early evening match in Kinshasa) in reaching the Afcon finals.

QUALIFIED. ✅

Tanzania will be going to #AFCON2025! 🇹🇿 pic.twitter.com/eftBseAZHp

— AFCON 2025 (@Afcon2025EN) November 19, 2024

It will be Tanzania’s fourth appearance at the tournament and a third in the space of four editions, starting from 2019.

Botswana were the 23rd qualifiers after they claimed a 1-1 draw away to Egypt in Cairo, ensuring they finished second behind the Pharaohs in Group C – thus rendering Mauritania’s concurrent 1-0 win over 10-man Cape Verde in Nouakchott merely academic.

The Zebras claimed an early lead at the June 30 Stadium thanks to Omaatla Kebatho, and though the North Africans hit back quickly via Mahmoud Trezeguet, no further goals were netted, leaving the Southern Africans to celebrate just their second qualification for the Nations Cup finals.

QUALIFIED. ✅

Botswana are going to #AFCON2025! 🇧🇼 pic.twitter.com/vCjSwyJOtE

— AFCON 2025 (@Afcon2025EN) November 19, 2024

The 24th and final nation to qualify were Mozambique, who only needed to avoid defeat away to Guinea-Bissau in order to join Group I winners Mali (who thumped Eswatini 6-0 in a concurrent match in Bamako) in qualification, but they went one better by beating the Djurtus 2-1 at Estadio 24 de Setembro.

The Mambas’ goals were scored by Bruno Langa and Stanley Ratifo (sandwiching an equaliser from Beto), as they qualified for the Afcon for the sixth time overall and second tournament in succession.

QUALIFIED. ✅

Mozambique have made it to #AFCON2025! 🇲🇿 pic.twitter.com/P8djzn0R4R

— AFCON 2025 (@Afcon2025EN) November 19, 2024

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Group J was completed by a 2-1 win for Cameroon over Zimbabwe and a 0-0 draw between Kenya and Namibia.

Group K saw South Africa finish unbeaten at the top of the log with a 3-0 win over South Sudan in Cape Town, while Uganda were breathing down their necks in second spot thanks to a 1-0 triumph away to Congo.

Unbeaten and top of Group K 🔝

Hugo Broos ball is going to Morocco in 2025 😏⏭️#AFCON2025 | #AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/3RNuSpgs6u

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 19, 2024

In Group G, Zambia held onto top spot ahead of reigning Afcon champions Ivory Coast thanks to a 2-0 away win over Sierra Leone, despite a comprehensive 4-0 triumph for the Elephants at home to Chad.

The very last qualifier was played in the evening in Dakar, where Group L winners Senegal defeated already-eliminated Burundi 2-0 courtesy of two goals from Habib Diarra.

The final list of 24 teams for the 2025 Afcon (in chronological order of qualification): Morocco (hosts), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Algeria, DR Congo, Senegal, Egypt, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Uganda, South Africa, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mali, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Comoros, Sudan, Benin, Tanzania, Botswana and Mozambique.

The 2025 Afcon will be held from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 across six venues in Morocco.

All 24 teams are officially confirmed for #AFCON2025 🌍🔒#AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/5xTjS4vwuv

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 19, 2024

Senegal brought the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers to a close on Tuesday night with a 2-0 win over Burundi at the Diamniadio Olympic Stadium in Dakar.

Two goals from Habib Diarra secured the triumph for the Teranga Lions, who were already guaranteed of top spot in Group L ahead of fellow qualifiers Burkina Faso.

The two West African sides will go on to participate alongside 22 other nations in the next Afcon, which will be played in Morocco in late 2025 and early 2026.

Senegal dominated from the early stages but had to wait until the 35th minute to break the deadlock, with Iliman Ndiaye teeing up Habib Diarra to score the opener.

Burundi offered little in attack through the first half and were also unfortunate to lose midfielder Youssouf Ndayishimiye to injury, necessitating the early introduction of Tresor Mossi.

The Teranga Lions introduced Cheikh Sabaly off the bench at the start of the second half and he quickly made a major impact, providing an assist for Diarra to net his second goal on 51 minutes to put the home side in firm control.

The West African heavyweights saw out the rest of the game in comfort to record a fifth win from six unbeaten matches in Group L, underlining their status as one of the teams capable of claiming the trophy in Morocco 2025.

Senegal: (1) 2 (H. Diarra 35’ 51’)

Burundi: 0

Senegal: E. Mendy, A. Diallo, H. Diarra (L. Camara 70’), K. Diatta, M. Diouf, I. Gueye, K. Koulibaly (A. Seck 69’), S. Mane, C. Ndiaye (H. Diallo 77’), I. Ndiaye (C. Sabaly 46’), P. Sarr (P. Ciss 87’)

Burundi: J. Nahimana, B. Bimenyimana (P. Niyongabire 62’), M. Eldhino, L. Jordi (C. Girumugisha 62’), B. Kanakimana (A. Manirakoze), O. Moussa, A. Muderi, S. Nahimana (K. Bukuru 88’), Y. Ndayishimiye (T. Mossi 19’), C. Nduwarugira, F. Nsabiyumva.

Mozambique secured their place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 2-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau in their final qualifier at the Estadio 24 de Setembro in Bissau on Tuesday.

Chiquinho Conde's side took an early lead through Bruno Langa, but Beto hit back for the Djurtus three minutes before halftime to ensure the two teams went into the break at level pegging.

Stanley Ratifo quickly restored the Mambas' advantage after the restart and they held on for the remainder of the second half to finish runners-up to Mali in Group I.

QUALIFIED. ✅

Mozambique have made it to #AFCON2025! 🇲🇿 pic.twitter.com/P8djzn0R4R

— AFCON 2025 (@Afcon2025EN) November 19, 2024

Guinea-Bissau came into the clash on the back of a 1-1 draw with Eswatini last Friday, while Mozambique looked to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Eagles which ended their unbeaten run in the qualifiers.

The visitors got off to a flying start in Bissau when Langa found space for a shot outside the area and stuck the ball in the back of the net with just nine minutes on the clock.

Beto sent the Southeastern Africans a warning on 24 minutes as he thumped a shot against the crossbar from the edge of the box and Manuel Balde had to be alert to keep out a fierce strike from Ratifo eight minutes later.

However, Luis Boa Morte's side found a timely response in the closing stages of the first half when Beto powered a header past Ernan Siluane to equalise in the 42nd minute.

Parity lasted just 10 minutes though, as Ratifo got on the end of Geny Catamo's cross to plant a header beyond Balde to register his third goal of the qualifying campaign.

The hosts piled on the pressure in the closing stages and Beto forced Siluane into a fine save on 78 minutes after making contact with Nanu's cross, while Mama Balde also worked the goalkeeper with a header that was palmed away from danger in the 87th minute.

Morocco here We Come✈🇲🇿
🎉🎉🎉
Fulltime
Guinea Bissau 🇬🇼 1 2*🇲🇿 Mozambique #AFCONQ2025
Bruno Langa⚽️
Stanley Ratifo⚽️
"🇲🇿Mozambique 🐍Mambas have qualified for #AFCONQ2025 for the second time consecutive after last year Tournm joining other 6 from @COSAFAMEDIA 🇦🇴🇿🇦🇿🇲🇿🇼🇲🇿🇧🇼🇩🇯 pic.twitter.com/tGCLacgz8p

— 🇲🇿Mozambique TheMambas #WCQ #WCQ2026 (@moz_osmambas) November 19, 2024

Guinea-Bissau: (1) 1 (Beto 42')

Mozambique: (1) 2 (Langa 9', Ratifo 52')

Guinea-Bissau: Manuel Balde, V. Rofino (O. Sangante 57'), Bura (B. Cisse 88'), Sambinha (A. Semedo 63'), J. Encada, Dalcio, J. Bikel (Ze Turbo 63'), A. Dabo (Nanu 56'), C. Mane, Mama Balde, Beto.

Mozambique: E. Siluane, I. Matola, Mexer, Reinildo, B. Langa, Guima (E. Pelembe 79'), A. Amade, G. Catamo, Pepo (Nene 46'), G. Lourenco (Clesio 74'), S. Ratifo (Chamboco 65').

Ivory Coast were dominant in their 4-0 victory over Chad at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny Stadium in  Abidjan on Tuesday evening, winning Group G of the 2025 Afcon qualifiers.

The Elephants came into this match with a mission to bounce back from their two losses in a row and they showed up to the match prepared.

The first goal from the hosts came in the 25th minute through Vakoun Issouf Bayo and from that moment on they began to dominate in the fixture.

Holding more than 70 per cent of possession in the match, Ivory Coast doubled their lead in the 37th minute as Simon Adingira also got his name on the scoresheet.

The visitors went into the break two goals behind, so there was still hope for them to bounce back in the game, but two more goals from Emmanuel Agbadou and Our Diakite respectively ensured three points for the Elephants.

Winning Group G, Ivory Coast have booked themselves a ticket to the next Africa Cup of Nations which will be hosted in Morocco in 2025.

Ivory Coast: (2) 4 (Bayo 25’, Adingra 37’, Agbadou 77’, Diakite 90+3’)

Chad: 0

Ivory Coast: Y. Fofana, C. Operi, E. Agbadou, E. Ndicka, G. Doue, V. Bayo (K. Konate 80’), J. Aholou (M. Dorgeles 60’), F. Kessie (S. Fofana 81’), S. Adingra (O. Diakite 72’), J. Krasso, J. Boga (B. Traore 72’)

Chad: G. Allabatna, A. Na'a (A. Youssouf 24’), M. Assane, C. Tchouplaou, A. Mbogo (Y. Allarabaye 81’), N. Osee (A. Abdallah 46’ (Y. Abdraman 81’)), M. Thiam, E. Mbangossoum, B. Mahamarat (W. Damba 65’) Ahmat, S. Yeo, Marius

Ethiopia claimed a 2-1 victory over DR Congo in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group H match at the Stade des Martyrs de la Pentecôte in Kinshasa, Congo, on Tuesday evening.

The hard-fought victory saw Walia Ibex end a disappointing qualifying campaign with a victory over the group winners and they finished fourth in the standings, having registered one win, one draw, and four defeats.

The Leopards, on the other hand, ended a successful Group H campaign with a defeat after conceding in stoppage time, but their four victories in six matches were enough to earn them the group's top spot.

The Leopards' attack which was spearheaded by experienced strikers Fiston Mayele and Silas Katompa Mvumpa struggled to trouble the Walia Ibex's defence in the opening 15 minutes of the encounter.

Congo upped the tempo after the half-hour mark, but they conceded against the run of play in the 36th minute as Bereket Woldie's through pass found Bereket Desta who scored to hand the visitors the lead, and Ethiopia were 1-0 up at halftime.

Samuel Essende, William Balikwisha and Gédéon Kalulu were all introduced by coach Sebastien Desabre prior to the start of the second half. 

Dylan Batubinsika scored what looked like a late equalising goal in stoppage time to make it 1-1.

However, Mohammed-Nur Nassir had other ideas as the inspired substitute scored in the dying minutes of the stoppage time to seal Ethiopia's 2-1 victory over Congo with Amanuel Yohannes providing the assist.

Ethiopia’s first three point, secured by Mohammad Nur Nasir’s last-minute strike. #TeamEthiopia 🇪🇹 pic.twitter.com/86CijOQC8j

— Tikvah Sport Images 📸🇪🇹 (@KYoftahe) November 19, 2024

Congo: (0) 1 (Batubinsika 90'+3)

Ethiopia: (1) 2 (Desta 36', Nassir 90'+6)

DR Congo: Mpasi, Inonga, Batubinsika, J.Kayembe, Kioso (Kalulu 46'), Sadiki (Balikwisha 46'), E.Kayembe (Kabwit Tshikomb 70'), Silas (Elia 84'), Mbuku (Essende 46'), Mayele.

Ethiopia: Habtamu, James, Bayeh, Terfa, Bekele, Woldie, Yohannes, Kassaye (Tunjo 81'), Worku (Nassir 75), Desta, Tefera (Gugsa 56').

Avram Grant’s Zambia outfit cemented their place at the top of Group G in their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier following a 2-0 victory against Sierra Leone at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, Liberia, on Tuesday night.

Sierra Leone looked bright during the early stages of the match as Augustus Kargbo and Issa Kallon looked to threaten the Zambia goal from range.

With the Leone Stars applying early pressure, Zambia found themselves playing on the back foot inside the first 10 minutes of the encounter.

Zambia struggled to get into the game after 20 minutes on the clock while Sierra Leone continued to boss the ball possession count.

However, Kennedy Musonda looked lively for the Copper Bullets in attack, especially during counter attacking situations.

In what was a largely cagey affair midway through the first-half, neither side created any notable scoring opportunities going forward.

However, the Copper Bullets began to fire at the Leone Stars, as seen in attacks from Joseph Sabobo and Stoppila Sunzu en-route to goal.

Nevertheless, the first half ended with the score tied at 0-0 in Liberia as Sierra Leone and Zambia manufactured no more than three shots at goal between each other.

Following a bright start to the second 45, Zambia took the lead through Emmanuel Banda in the 54th minute.

After a well-worked passing move into the Sierra Leone half, Banda found the back of the net with a left-footed strike just outside the box.

With wind in their sails, the goal scoring chances fell for Zambia on a regular basis. Musonda, who threatened throughout the first half, remained a live wire in attack for his side as the hour-mark approached.

Following a period of intense pressure, Zambia doubled their advantage in the 71st minute as Musonda added his name to the scoresheet.

Soon after Sabobo struck the upright with a shot from long range, Musonda found the back of the net with a right-footed effort inside the 18-yard-area.

The Leone Stars attempted to chip away at the Zambia defence after the 80th minute, however, each attacking move was swiftly neutralised by the Copper Bullets.

Zambia managed to see the game out unscathed with a comfortable 2-0-win Liberia.

Confirmed Group G Winners! Morocco here we come! pic.twitter.com/ERci3wXcIO

— FAZ (@FAZFootball) November 19, 2024

Sierra Leone: 0

Zambia: (0) 2 (E.Banda 54’, Musonda 71’

Sierra Leone: Koroma, Jalloh, Silah (Koroma 61’), Fornah (Conteh 66’), Samadia, Micheal, Dunia, Kaikai (Dumbuya 67’), Kargbo, Kallon (Turay 76’), Bakayoko (Kamara 76’)

Zambia: Nsabata, Kapumbu, Kambamba (Chama 69’), Kangwa ( Kampamba 92’), Sabobo (Bwalya 91’), Banda (Mafwenta 69’), F.Musonda, Chongo, Chisala, K.Musonda (Mwepu 80’), Sunzu

South Africa closed out their successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification campaign with a 3-0 win over South Sudan at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The result, secured by goals from Iqraam Rayners, Patrick Maswanganyi and Teboho Mokoena, saw Bafana Bafana top Group K ahead of fellow qualifiers Uganda (who won 1-0 away to Congo in a concurrent clash).

South Africa's first match in the Western Cape in nine years ends with a comfortable victory 👏🇿🇦#AFCON2025 | #AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/xJH9RkqKvU

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 19, 2024

South Africa dominated from early on and claimed the lead in just the seventh minute, with Oswin Appollis doing great work down the left to tee up Iqraam Rayners, who had a simple close range finish for 1-0.

At the midway point of the first half, the hosts doubled their advantage, as South Sudan goalkeeper Majak Mawith fumbled a long-range effort from Teboho Mokoena and Patrick Maswanganyi was on hand to capitalise, rounding the glovesman before tapping home.

Bafana Bafana had to wait until five minutes after the restart in the second half for their third goal, as Teboho Mokoena scored from a penalty.

The spot kick was awarded after Khuliso Mudau was bundled over off the ball inside the 18-yard area.

With the game fully under control, South Africa were even able to hand 33-year-old goalkeeper Sage Stephens his senior national team debut, as he replaced captain Ronwen Williams with just over a quarter hour of regulation time remaining.

The hosts saw out the remainder of the match in comfort to close out an excellent Afcon qualification campaign.

Unbeaten and top of Group K 🔝

Hugo Broos ball is going to Morocco in 2025 😏⏭️#AFCON2025 | #AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/3RNuSpgs6u

— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) November 19, 2024

South Africa : (2) 3 (Rayners 7’, Maswanganyi 22’, Mokoena 50’ pen)

South Sudan: 0

SOUTH AFRICA: R. Williams (S. Stephens 74’), K. Mudau, S. Ngezana (N. Sibisi 74’), R. Dortley, F. Basadien, T. Morena (D. Titus 79’), B. Aubaas (T. Mbatha 74’), T. Mokoena, O. Appollis, P. Maswanganyi (R. Mofokeng 74’), I. Rayners

SOUTH SUDAN: M. Mawith, E. Ezibon, W. Gama (P. Chol 80’), S. Gordon, P. Jawa (D. Elly 59’), Y. Juma, B. Laku, J. Malish (M. Malish 90+3’), R. Okocha (A. Thomas 46’), P. Pal, I. Wani

The dead rubber between Kenya and Namibia in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying finished goalless at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday.

The Harambee Stars and the Brave Warriors had already been eliminated ahead of their final Group J clash in Polokwane, South Africa, which wasn't exactly a spectacle for the few supporters in attendance.

Neither goalkeeper had a save to make in the first half, although there were chances at both ends, with Kenya going close on three occasions.

The East Africans had the first sniff at goal after just seven minutes as Richard Odada steered his header narrowly over the crossbar from a corner.

Alfred Scriven also failed to hit the target with a header on 16 minutes before Johnstone Omurwa got on the end of a free-kick in the 19th minute, but saw his glancing header go inches wide of the left post.

Bryne Odhiambo then breathed a sigh of relief when Charles Hambira met Riaan Hanamub's cross from the left and directed his header fractionally wide of the left post on 24 minutes.

That was as good as it got in the opening 45 minutes and the two teams headed into the break with the score unchanged at 0-0.

There wasn't much goal-mouth action to speak of in the second half, with substitute Bethuel Muzeu trying his luck from range on 75 minutes but getting under the ball and watching it sail high over the crossbar.

However, Odhiambo was finally called into action nine minutes from time as Elmo Kambindu made contact with Ngero Katua's cross to force the Harambee Stars keeper into a save with his header.

It was a disappointing end to the qualifying campaign for both teams though, having managed just one win between them.

Kenya 0

Namibia 0

Kenya: B. Odhiambo, D. Abuya (A. Omar 88'), T. Akumu, J. Omurwa (C. Momanyi 88'), J. Avire (D. Sakari 64'), A. Scriven (J. Ayunga 77'), R. Onyango, E. Otieno, A. Odhiambo (M. Nabwire 77'), R. Odada, D. Anyembe.

Namibia: E. Maova, K. Eib, C. Hambira (S. Damaseb 64'), N. Katua, I. Kamberipa, V. Ngaruka (M. Shidolo 64'), A. Petrus, R. Hanamub, P. Tjiueza (P. Amutenya 83'), W. Stephanus (B. Muzeu 64'), E. Kambindu (P. Shalulile 83').

Cameroon edged out Zimbabwe 2-1 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification Group J match at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Tuesday afternoon.

The victory saw the Indomitable Lions wrap up a successful qualifying campaign with a victory and they also finished at the top of the Group J standings unbeaten, having registered four victories and two draws.

The Warriors, on the other hand, came into this match having already qualified for the finals and they finished second in the group standings, having registered two victories, three draws and one defeat which came on the last day of the qualifiers.

The Indomitable Lions exerted pressure on the Warriors' defence from the start and they broke the deadlock in the 18th minute when Vincent Aboubakar burst into the visitors' box before scoring his 42nd international goal to hand Cameroon a 1-0 lead.

Cameroon doubled their lead in the 23rd minute as Christian Bassogog's long pass found Georges-Kevin N'koudou who then cut inside from the left before firing past goalkeeper Washington Arubi and Cameroon were 2-0 up at halftime.

The Warriors had to find a way to unlock the Indomitable Lions' solid defence after the restart and coach Michael Nees decided to introduce attackers Terrence Dzvukamanja and Prince Dube in the 59th minute.

Dzvukamanja proved to be an inspired substitute as the SuperSport United forward beat Manchester United's No 1, Andre Onana, in the hosts' goal-posts to reduce the deficit in the 73rd minute, but Cameroon held on to secure a 2-1 win.

Cameroon (2) 2 (Aboubakar 18', N'Koudou 23')

Zimbabwe (0) 1 (Dzvukamanja 73')

Cameroon: Onana, Wooh, Boyomo, Tolo, Tchatchoua, Anguissa, Hongla (Castelletto 78'), N'Koudou, Magri (Soko 69'), Bassagog (Neyou 70'), Aboubakar (Moumi Ngamaleu 90'+3).

Zimbabwe: Arubi, Murwira (Machope 86'), Lunga, Garan'anga, Hadebe, Nakamba, Rinomhota (Musona 74'), Zemura, Billiat, Mapfumo (Dube 59'), Maswanhise (Dzvukamanja 59').

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos hopes to see another bumper crowd when his charges troop onto the pitch to face South Sudan in a Group K 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier in Cape Town on Tuesday evening.

The South African senior men’s national team qualified for the 2025 Afcon last Thursday and Broos said it would be the perfect way to bring the curtain down on a successful year if a packed DHL Cape Town Stadium is on hand to welcome the side as they make their way down the tunnel.

The Belgian mentor insisted that while Bafana Bafana have qualified for the tournament to be held in Morocco next year, they would still go after the visitors as if it is still the first match of the qualifying campaign.

“We want to win the game tomorrow. This is not a friendly game. For us it is an important game because we want to remain top of the Group, and we also want to show something to the crowd that is expected at the stadium,” he said.

“We had two amazing evenings in Bloemfontein and in Gqeberha with great crowds and nice wins, so we want to do it again in Cape Town. It means we are still motivated for the game and again, it is very important for us to wrap up the qualifiers top of the group. It would be the cherry on top, as people say.”

South Sudan coach Nicolas Dupuis said he has travelled to South Africa with only 15 players as they found the plane tickets too expensive to accommodate the whole team. He said facing a team like Bafana Bafana while they are in the midst of a challenging period off the field is a tough ask to his players. But he insisted that despite the difficulties, they would still put up a fight against the South Africans.

“I think South Africa is now one of the top five or six best teams in Africa. South Sudan is not the same level. We are going to play without any professional players, only local players. But my players are good, my players have good spirits, and we train a lot,” he said.

© SAFA

Comoros made history with their 1-0 win over Madagascar at the Grand Stade d'Al Hoceima on Monday as they finished top of Group A in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with an unbeaten record.

Yacine Bourhane's goal early in the second half saw the Coelacanths beat the Barea for the first time in their history and take top spot from Tunisia, who suffered a 1-0 defeat to Gambia in a concurrent match.

Petit archipel de 850 000 habitants, les Comores 🇰🇲 sont qualifiés pour leur deuxième CAN. 🌍🏆

Et en finissant leader de leur poule devant la Tunisie 🇹🇳.

𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗟 𝗣𝗔𝗬𝗦, 𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗟 𝗣𝗘𝗨𝗣𝗟𝗘. ❤️🤩 pic.twitter.com/UkQB9uaC8C

— BeFootball (@_BeFootball) November 18, 2024

Stefano Cusin's side had picked up nine points from their opening five matches to secure a ticket to the African showpiece in Morocco with one game to spare, while Madagascar had already been eliminated after losing three of their five outings.

Cette équipe des 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐀𝐁𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐔𝐒𝐄 🤩🇰🇲

En plus de se qualifier pour la CAN 2025, les 𝐶𝑜𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑎𝑛𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠 terminent PREMIERS de leur groupe devant la Tunisie 🇹🇳, la Gambie 🇬🇲 et Madagascar 🇲🇬 !

FOOOOORT ! 👏 pic.twitter.com/7z0EE8zGB7

— Footballogue (@Footballogue) November 18, 2024

The visitors created the first real chance of note on 12 minutes when Rayan Raveloson unleashed a shot from the edge of the area that was palmed away by Salim Ben Boina.

But Comoros soon threatened themselves as Faiz Selemani tested Sonny Laiton with a fierce shot that he comfortably dealt with on the 20-minute mark.

#QUALIFICATION_DAY_ROAD_TO_MAROC

🔥💫 Après leur victoire 2-1 face à la Gambie ce soir à Berkane, les Coelacanthes🐠 se qualifient pour la CAN 2025 !
🙌 Vous l’avez fait, et c’est tout un peuple qui est fier de vous 🇰🇲
Rendez-vous au Maroc en 2025 !🇲🇦⚽️✈️ pic.twitter.com/6ufYaoeE3D

— FFC 🇰🇲 (@fedcomfootball) November 15, 2024

Thomas Fontaine then went close for Madagascar from a counter-attack, although he was unable to keep his effort down as the ball flew over the goal on 32 minutes.

The score remained unchanged at the break, but the hosts took just two minutes to open the scoring after the restart, with Bourhane converting the rebound after Warmed Omari's initial header had been saved by Laiton.

Madagascar looked to respond and Ryan Ponti forced Ben Boina into an excellent save on 56 minutes before the goalkeeper was also required to keep out Warren Caddie on the hour mark after he made contact with Jean-Pierre Morgan's cross.

They kept pushing for an equaliser, but Tsiry Randriatsiferana failed to trouble Ben Boina with a shot on 72 minutes and Caddie also missed the target with a header in the 81st minute before Johan N'Zi got under his shot four minutes later as the ball sailed over the crossbar.

Comoros (0) 1 (Bourhane 47')

Madagascar (0) 0

Comores: S. Ben Boina, S. Bakari, Y. Zahary, W. Omari, A. Abdallah, R. Vita (I. Youssouf 77'), F. Selemani (R. Said 46'), Y. Bourhane, R. Lutin (Y. Said M'Madi 65'), Z. Youssouf (Y. M'Changama 46'), M. Maolida (E. Ben 58').

Madagascar: S. Laiton, R. Rabemanantsoa, T. Fontaine, S. Tremoulet, J. Morgan, M. Ilaimaharitra, R. Andriamanjato (J. N'Zi 67'), R. Raveloson, E. Hadari Raheriniaina (T. Randriatsiferana 67'), W. Caddie (N. Rakotoharimalala 81'), R. Ponti.

War-torn Sudan and Benin qualified on Monday for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while there was heartbreak for Rwanda as they shocked Nigeria 2-1 only to lose out.

Sudan drew 0-0 with Group F winners Angola in Benghazi to finish runners-up and claim the second qualifying place.

It was even closer in Group D with Benin, who held Libya 0-0 in Tripoli, pipping Rwanda on head-to-head records after both finished with eight points, three less than table-toppers Nigeria.

Benin owe their place in Morocco from 21 December next year to a superior goal difference.

Last month, they trounced Rwanda 3-0 at home and lost 2-1 away.

QUALIFIED. ✅

Benin are #AFCON2025 bound! 🇧🇯 pic.twitter.com/WGDQlOcfoC

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 18, 2024

Having changed eight of the team that drew with Benin last week, three-time African champions Nigeria had the upper hand over Rwanda during a goalless opening half in Uyo.

The deadlock was broken on 59 minutes when substitute Samuel Chukwueze evaded several Rwandans in a run from the centre circle before slamming the ball past goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari.

Needing maximum points to have any chance of finishing second, Rwanda hit back with goals from Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti in a three-minute burst.

Mutsinzi equalised on 72 minutes by heading past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a free-kick landed in the six-yard area.

Okoye had to pick the ball out of the net again soon after as Nshuti beat the Udinese goalkeeper at his near post with a low shot.

Nigeria brought on reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen after falling behind, but the striker could not add to his two goals in earlier qualifiers.

CIVIL WAR

Sudan, forced to play all six matches outside a country engulfed in civil war since April last year, qualified despite a loss of form this month.

Winning and drawing against four-time Afcon title-holders Ghana last month put Sudan five points ahead of the Black Stars and six above Niger with two matchdays remaining.

QUALIFIED. ✅

Sudan will be going to #AFCON2025! 🇸🇩 pic.twitter.com/eALo9NFzBI

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 18, 2024

Ghana were eliminated last Friday after drawing in Angola to become the shock casualties of 2025 qualifying, while Niger hammered Sudan to emerge as unexpected contenders.

Niger, who secured only one point from a possible 12 in four matchdays, maintained a dramatic improvement to snatch victory in Ghana through an added-time header from Oumar Sako.

Ousseini Badamassi put Niger ahead midway through the first half and Jeremia Afriyie levelled halfway into the second half for Ghana, who lacked many injured first choices.

Sudan and Benin swelled the number of finalists to 21, leaving three places to be filled on Tuesday, the final day of qualifying.

Only 3️⃣ spots left. 👀#AFCONQ2025 pic.twitter.com/mbVgKVH942

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 18, 2024

Botswana or Mauritania will advance from Group C, Guinea or Tanzania from Group H and Mozambique or Guinea-Bissau from Group I.

Only pride was at stake in five other matches with group qualifiers having already been decided. The biggest surprise was the Gambia beating Tunisia 1-0 in Rades.

Brahim Diaz scored a first-half hat-trick as 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco thrashed Lesotho 7-0 in Oujda to be the only team to win all six matches.

The Real Madrid midfielder was the second player to claim a treble in a 2025 qualifier after Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy for Guinea.

That's all from #AFCONQ2025 for the day. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/oYQcQfWIMf

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) November 18, 2024

Morocco asserted their dominance in the 2025 Afcon qualifiers as the team came out with a 7-0 victory over Lesotho at the Honneur Stadium on Monday evening.

The Atlas Lions finished off their campaign strong and have an impressive tally of 18 points, winning all six of their fixtures in Group B.

Morocco absolutely destroy Lesotho in their 2025 AFCON qualifier 😅🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/3yP3izm7Z6

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) November 18, 2024

The match was pretty much one-way traffic with the North Africans dominating possession from the very beginning.

It didn’t take long for Real Madrid starlet Brahim Diaz to open the scoring in the fifth minute after receiving a square pass in the box from Azzedine Ounahi.

Diaz would grab himself a brace in the 15th minute, as he took advantage of a botched clearance from Lesotho’s Tsepang Sefoli.

The 25-year-old would then make it a hat-trick in the 42nd minute.

Likuena began to destabilise and found themselves four goals behind at the end of halftime.

This time, Soufiane Rahimi scored from the penalty spot, and at this point he had already grabbed his first in the 37th minute.

When the match restarted, Morocco took no prisoners and scored in the 68th minute through Youssef En-Nesyri.

Ismail Saibari also got his name on the scoresheet in the 70th minute.

The match ended with the Atlas Lions scoring seven impressive goals and correcting their issues in defence from last time when they conceded against Gabon by keeping a clean sheet.

Morocco (4) 7 (Diaz 5’, 15,’ 42’, Rahimi 37’, 45+2’ (P), En-Nesyri 68’, Saibari 70’)

Lesotho (0) 0

Morocco: Bono, N. Aguerd, S. Amrabat, A. Aznou (A. Masina 76’), E. Ben Seghir (B. El Khannous 46’), B. Diaz (A. El Kaabi 62’), A. Ezzalzouli, J. Harkass, N. Mazraoui, A. Ounahi (I. Saibari 46’), S. Rahimi (Y. En-Nesyri 63’)

Lesotho: S. Moerane, T. Mafatle (L. Lebokollane 53’), T. Makhele, T. Malane, L. Matsau, N. Mokhachane (T. Letsema 53’), R. Mokokoana, S. Motebang, T. Phatsisi (H. Kalake 53’), R. Rasethuntsa, T. Sefoli (T. Toloane 79’)