As Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco claim home wins
The closing fixtures of Friday’s Match Day 3 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers saw some interesting movements in Group C, E, and F where the race to the global showpiece gains exciting momentum, CAFonline reports.
A north versus south encounter between Morocco and Zambia saw the north African giants edge Chipolopolo 2-1 in Agadir to retain their Group E lead; while reigning African champions, Cote d’Ivoire managed a narrow 1-0 victory over Gabon to assume the number one spot in Group F.
It was an evenly balanced encounter in Uyo where the Super Eagles came from behind to salvage a point against South Africa as Group C remains wide open.
CAFOnline summarises the 19h00 GMT matches of Friday’s Match Day 03 encounters:
Morocco 2 – 1 Zambia
An early penalty conversion by Hakim Ziyech saw the Atlas Lions grab the early lead in the opening minutes to go into the break with a lead.
Coming back from the break, Eliesse Ben Seghir doubled the North Africans’ lead ahead of an 80th-minute consolation goal by Edward Chilufya, as Morocco went ahead of Zambia in Group E.
Cote d’Ivoire 1 – 0 Gabon
Seko Fofana led by example in the Elephants’ quest to return to the global showpiece.
The midfield maestro’s solitary goal was enough to see the reigning African champions secure a slim win over Gabon to maintain their winning streak in Group F and maintain their lead at the top.
Nigeria 1 – 1 South Africa
It was a battle of old foes in Uyo as the Super Eagles of Nigeria played host to South Africa. The highly entertaining affair which was a repeat of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 semi-final saw the teams share the spoils at a packed Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
A stroke of genius by Themba Zwane in the 29th minute gave Bafana Bafana the lead ahead of the break before Fisayo Dele-Bashiru canceled out Zwane’s goal just seconds into the second half for the match to end 1-1 in Group C
