2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Late drama for Nigeria - South Africa, Uganda and Cape Verde secure crucial wins
Nigeria were held to a late 1-1 draw at home by Zimbabwe in a dramatic World Cup qualifier, while South Africa strengthened their grip on Group C with a convincing victory over Benin.
Uganda edged Guinea in a tightly contested encounter, Rwanda and Lesotho shared the spoils, and Cape Verde came out on top in a thrilling Lusophone derby against Angola.
Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe
Goals: Osimhen 74' (Nigeria), Chirewa 90' (Zimbabwe)
Venue: Uyo, Nigeria
Nigeria's hopes of climbing up Group C were dented as they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to draw 1-1 with Zimbabwe in Uyo.
Victor Osimhen gave the Super Eagles the lead in the 74th minute, heading home after sustained pressure. The Galatasaray striker looked to have sealed a much-needed win for Nigeria.
However, Tawanda Chirewa stunned the home crowd with a precise 90th-minute strike to level the score, leaving goalkeeper Francis Uzoho rooted.
The result sees Nigeria remain off the pace in the race to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, failing to overtake second-placed Benin in the group standings.
Benin 0-2 South Africa
Goals: Foster 53', Adams 84'
Venue: Cotonou, Benin
South Africa claimed a vital 2-0 away win over Benin to tighten their grip on top spot in Group C.
After a goalless first half, Lyle Foster pounced in the 53rd minute to put Bafana Bafana ahead. Jayden Adams added a second with a clinical finish on the break in the 84th minute to seal the result.
The win takes South Africa to 13 points at the summit of the group, five clear of second-placed Benin who now face an uphill battle to stay in contention.
Uganda 1-0 Guinea
Goal: Okello 36'
Venue: Cairo International Stadium, Egypt
Allan Okello’s first-half goal proved the difference as Uganda beat Guinea 1-0 to climb to third in Group G.
Okello found the net in the 36th minute, capitalising on a rare opening in a game dominated by midfield battles.
Guinea pressed for an equaliser in the second half but were unable to break down Uganda’s resilient backline. The result lifts Uganda to 9 points, leapfrogging Guinea, who remain on 7.
Rwanda 1-1 Lesotho
Goals: Kwizera 58' (Rwanda), Fothoane 82' (Lesotho)
Venue: Kigali, Rwanda
Rwanda missed the chance to go second in their group after settling for a 1-1 draw against Lesotho.
Jules Kwizera opened the scoring for the hosts in the 58th minute, finishing off a flowing move. But Lesotho responded in the 82nd minute when Lethabo Fothoane capitalised on a defensive lapse to fire home the equaliser.
The point leaves both sides locked on 8 points, with goal difference separating them in Group C standings.
Angola 1-2 Cape Verde
Goals: Dala 50' (Angola); Livramento 45+2', 63' (Cape Verde)
Venue: Tizi Ouzou, Algeria
Cape Verde pulled off a big win in the Lusophone derby, beating Angola 2-1 to take control of Group D.
Dailon Livramento scored twice – once just before the break and again in the 63rd minute – to secure a famous victory.
Angola had levelled briefly through Gelson Dala five minutes into the second half, but Cape Verde’s second goal proved decisive.
The Blue Sharks now lead Group D with 13 points, four ahead of Cameroon who have a game in hand.