Morocco Seal World Cup Ticket with 5-0 Thrashing of Niger

Morocco became the first African team to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after cruising to a 5-0 victory over 10-man Niger in Rabat on Friday.

Ismael Saibari struck twice in the first half after Niger’s Abdul-Latif Goumey was sent off, before Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi added further goals to complete the rout.

The result secured Morocco’s sixth consecutive win in Group E, giving them an unassailable 18 points, eight clear of second-placed Tanzania with two matches left to play. It also booked the Atlas Lions’ seventh appearance on the global stage.

Morocco, who stunned the world as semi-finalists at Qatar 2022, have since rejuvenated their squad under coach Walid Regragui, with PSV Eindhoven midfielder Saibari among the fresh faces making an impact.

Elsewhere, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush converted first-half penalties as Egypt defeated Ethiopia 2-0 in Cairo. The Pharaohs can seal their World Cup ticket with victory away to Burkina Faso on Tuesday.

In Group B, new Newcastle United signing Yoane Wissa was on target as the Democratic Republic of Congo hammered South Sudan 4-1 in Juba, keeping alive hopes of their first World Cup appearance since 1974.

Senegal, a point behind DR Congo, stayed in contention with a 2-0 win over Sudan through goals from Kalidou Koulibaly and Pape Matar Sarr.

South Africa also strengthened their position in Group C, beating neighbours Lesotho 3-0 in Bloemfontein. Goals from Mohau Nkota, Lyle Foster, and Oswin Appollis kept Bafana Bafana five points clear at the top, though injuries to defenders Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane cast a shadow ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh was on target in Gambia’s surprise 3-1 win over Kenya, while Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy netted his first World Cup qualifying goal in Guinea’s 3-0 triumph over Somalia.

Despite Guirassy’s effort, Guinea remain eight points adrift of Group G leaders Algeria and are unlikely to qualify.