Trezeguet Double Secures Egypt's Win Over Burkina Faso

Trezeguet scored twice as Egypt maintained their perfect start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Burkina Fas, while Algeria suffered a shocking home defeat to Guinea. Meanwhile, Jordan Ayew’s injury-time winner secured Ghana a crucial 2-1 comeback victory against Mali. Senegal, missing Sadio Mane, drew 1-1 with DR Congo in Cisse’s 100th match as Teranga Lions coach. Additionally, Benin, Libya, Malawi and Sudan won, while Guinea-Bissau, coached by Luis Boa Morte, drew 0-0 with Ethiopia.

All the teams in action on Thursday will play another match before the World Cup qualifying break until March next year. Africa has nine guaranteed spots at the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States with all group winners qualifying for the tournament. Egypt took control against Burkina Faso as former Aston Villa forward Trezeguet scored twice in the first seven minutes in Cairo.  Trezeguet first headed in a cross from Mohamed Salah and then struck a low left-footed shot across the goal.

Despite Lassina Traore’s goal, Egypt won and now lead Group A by four points after Guinea-Bissau’s draw. Senegal, missing Mane, saw Ismaila Sarr give them the lead against DR Congo in first-half injury time, bundling in a rebound after his initial effort hit the post. However, Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson missed a late chance to secure the win, hitting the post, and DR Congo’s Fiston Mayele equalized with five minutes remaining.  The draw dropped Senegal from Group B’s top, with Sudan leading after a 2-0 win over Mauritania.

Algeria’s coach Petkovic lost his debut game, having excluded Riyad Mahrez, who requested a national duty break. Guinea led through Morlaye Sylla, but Algeria equalized via Said Benrahma’s deflected chip. However, Aguibou Camara’s volley secured Guinea’s 2-1 win over Algeria, both now tied at Group G’s top with six points. In Bamako, Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew scored a 94th-minute winner to give Ghana a 2-1 victory over Mali in Otto Addo’s first competitive game back as Black Stars coach.

Mali had taken the lead through Kamory Doumbia’s freak goal, but Ernest Nuamah’s header equalized for Ghana before Ayew’s late strike sparked celebrations, moving Ghana level with Group I leaders Comoros. Benin’s Dokou Dodo scored for a 1-0 win over Rwanda, moving them behind Group C leaders on goal difference. Libya beat Mauritius 2-1 in Benghazi, despite finishing with 10 men after a late red card for Ali Youssef. Libya now lead Group D by three points before Cameroon and Cape Verde’s match on Saturday.

Malawi’s 3-1 win over Sao Tome moved them to third in Group H, three points behind leaders Tunisia. Friday’s qualifiers feature Nigeria vs. South Africa, plus Ivory Coast and Morocco in action.

Thursday’s African World Cup qualifying results:
– Egypt 2-1 Burkina Faso (Group A)
– Guinea-Bissau 0-0 Ethiopia (Group A)
– Senegal 1-1 DR Congo (Group B)
– Mauritania 0-2 Sudan (Group B)
– Benin 1-0 Rwanda (Group C)
– Libya 2-1 Mauritius (Group D)
– Algeria 1-2 Guinea (Group G)
– Malawi 3-1 Sao Tome e Príncipe (Group H)
– Mali 1-2 Ghana (Group I)