Morocco stormed into the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday after thrashing 10-man Niger 5-0 in Rabat to seal top spot in Group E and become the first African nation to book their ticket.
Ismael Saibari struck twice in the first half, capitalising on the dismissal of Abdul-Latif Goumey, before Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane and Azzedine Ounahi added further goals after the break to complete a resounding victory.
The Atlas Lions’ sixth straight qualifying win lifted them to an unassailable 18 points — eight clear of nearest challengers Tanzania — and ensured their seventh World Cup appearance with two games to spare.
Morocco made history in Qatar 2022 as the first African nation to reach the semi-finals, defeating Belgium, Spain and Portugal along the way before falling to eventual runners-up France.
Of Friday’s scorers, only Ounahi was part of that fairytale squad, with coach Walid Regragui ushering in fresh talent since, including PSV Eindhoven midfielder Saibari.
Egypt, DR Congo and South Africa also shine
In Cairo, Egypt moved within touching distance of qualification after a 2-0 win over Ethiopia, Premier League duo Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both converted first-half penalties.
The Pharaohs can secure their World Cup place if they beat second-placed Burkina Faso away on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo strengthened their push for a first World Cup since 1974 with a commanding 4-1 victory over South Sudan in Juba.
Newcastle United’s new £50m signing Yoane Wissa was on the scoresheet, adding to Cedric Bakambu’s first-half brace before Keer Majak netted a late consolation for the hosts.
DR Congo remain a point ahead of Senegal, who defeated Sudan 2-0 thanks to goals from captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.
The two giants will meet in Kinshasa on Tuesday in a top-of-the-table clash that could define Group B.
South Africa stay in control of Group C
South Africa consolidated their lead in Group C with a 3-0 victory over Lesotho in Bloemfontein.
The match was staged in South Africa due to Lesotho’s lack of a FIFA-approved stadium, effectively turning the ‘away’ game into a home fixture for Bafana Bafana.
Mohau Nkota, who recently left Orlando Pirates for Al Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, opened his international account, while Burnley forward Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis struck in the second half.
The win, however, came at a cost, with defenders Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Moloisane suffering injuries ahead of Tuesday’s crunch home game against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
South Africa lead the group with 16 points, five clear of Benin, who edged Zimbabwe 1-0 through a Steve Mounie strike, Nigeria, nine points adrift of the leaders, face Rwanda in Uyo today, Saturday.
Elsewhere across Africa
Gambia stunned Kenya 3-1 in Nairobi, powered by a first-half strike from Brighton winger Yankuba Minteh, while Guinea cruised past Somalia 3-0 with Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy scoring his first goal in World Cup qualifying.
Reigning African champions Ivory Coast who defeated Burundi 1-0 will face Gabon on Tuesday in a Group F showdown likely to decide top spot.