Morocco became the first African nation to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 5-0 demolition of Niger in Rabat.
PSV’s Ismael Saibari struck twice in the first half after Niger’s Abdul-Latif Goumey was sent off. Ayoubel Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Azzedine Ounahi scored in the second half to seal Morocco’s sixth straight win and 18 points in Group E.
The Atlas Lions secured an unassailable lead and confirmed their seventh World Cup appearance after their historic 2022 semi-final run in Qatar.
Salah and Marmoush scored penalties as Egypt beat Ethiopia 2-0 in Cairo to stay on track in Group A.
DR Congo beat South Sudan 4-1 in Juba as Bakambu scored twice and £50m Newcastle signing Wissa netted. They face Senegal next after the Lions of Teranga beat Sudan 2-0 with goals from Koulibaly and Sarr.
South Africa remained top of Group C with a 3-0 victory over Lesotho in Bloemfontein. Mohau Nkota netted his first international goal before Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis struck in the second half.
Injuries to Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane complicate South Africa’s preparations for Nigeria, who trail by nine points.
Elsewhere, Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh scored as Gambia shocked Kenya 3-1 in Nairobi. Guirassy scored as Guinea beat Somalia 3-0, but they still trail far behind Group G leaders Algeria.
Defending champions Ivory Coast face Gabon on Tuesday in a decisive Group F tie.
