World Cup Dreams: Morocco & Egypt surge, Guinea st...

World Cup Dreams: Morocco & Egypt surge, Guinea stumbles in thrilling qualifiers

Zizo of Egypt challenges Markos Biruk of Ethiopia

Philemon Jambaya

Zim Now Editor

The roar of the crowd, the tension in the air, and the unwavering pursuit of a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup painted a vibrant picture across Africa .

Morocco and Egypt cemented their dominance with vital victories, while Guinea's hopes took a significant knock in a surprising stalemate.

In Oujda, the Atlas Lions faced a fierce challenge from Niger, a match that tested their resilience and ignited the stadium with late-game drama. Despite a strong start, Morocco found themselves trailing after a stunning 47th-minute goal from Niger's Boubacar Goumey Oumarou. The shockwave reverberated through the stands, but Morocco's fighting spirit was far from extinguished.

Coach Walid Regragui's strategic substitutions proved pivotal, injecting fresh energy into the team. Abde Ezzalzouli, Bilal El Khannouss, and Ismael Saibari turned the tide. Saibari's equalizer in the 59th minute sparked hope, but the clock ticked down with the score still level. Then, in the 91st minute, El Khannouss delivered a moment of pure magic, sealing a 2-1 victory and sending the home crowd into raptures. This hard-fought win solidified Morocco's lead in Group E, setting the stage for their upcoming clash with Tanzania.

Meanwhile, in El Jadida, Morocco, Egypt showcased their unwavering dominance in Group A with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ethiopia. Liverpool's star, Mohamed Salah, opened the scoring with a clinical finish in the 31st minute, followed by Ahmed Sayed "Zizo" capitalizing on a defensive error nine minutes later.

Despite Ethiopia's attempts to rally, Egypt maintained control, securing a crucial three points. With 13 points from five matches, Egypt's path to the 2026 World Cup is becoming increasingly clear, leaving Ethiopia's qualification hopes hanging by a thread

In Abidjan, the biggest upset of the night unfolded as Guinea, brimming with talent including Champions League star Serhou Guirassy, were held to a 0-0 draw by Somalia. Ranked among Africa's lowest, Somalia's resolute defense frustrated Guinea's attacking efforts, leaving fans stunned.

Guinea's inability to break down Somalia's defensive wall has placed them in a precarious position in Group G, missing a golden opportunity to pressure group leaders Mozambique and Algeria. The result has ignited calls for reforms within Guinean football, highlighting the growing frustration among fans.

As the qualifiers continue, the stakes remain high. Guinea faces a must-win clash against Uganda, while Egypt prepares to take on Sierra Leone, and Morocco will test their depth against Tanzania. The quest for World Cup glory intensifies, with each match carrying immense weight. The vibrant tapestry of African football continues to unfold, filled with drama, passion, and the unwavering pursuit of a place on the world stage.