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CAIRO.— The long-awaited resumption of the CAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is upon us, reigniting the aspirations of African nations to secure their place on the grandest stage of international football.
As the continent’s best teams prepare to lock horns from tomorrow for Match days 3 and 4, the stakes have never been higher.
After a six-month hiatus, the Road to North America 2026 resumes with renewed vigour and determination after the opening rounds provided tantalizing matches with both established powerhouses and emerging forces showcasing their mettle. In Group A, the spotlight falls on the highly anticipated encounter between Egypt and Burkina Faso in Cairo.
The Pharaohs, led by their new strategist Hossan Hassam, will be seeking redemption after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Facing them are the Stallions of Burkina Faso, who have also undergone a managerial change, with Brama Traore at the helm.
This clash promises to be a captivating battle of wits and resilience, potentially reshaping the group’s dynamic. Elsewhere in Group A, Guinea-Bissau, buoyed by their AFCON experience under Luis Boa Morte, will host Ethiopia, while Sierra Leone and Djibouti, still searching for their first win, will clash in El Jadida. Every point will be invaluable in this tightly contested group.
In Group B, the reigning AFCON champions, Senegal, find themselves level on points with Sudan at the summit. The Lions of Teranga will host Congo DR in Diamniadio, aiming to solidify their position. Congo DR, fresh from their impressive AFCON run, will undoubtedly provide a stern test for Aliou Cissé’s men.
Meanwhile, Sudan will travel to Mauritania, hoping to capitalize on their recent friendly success against Tanzania.
Group C promises to be a thrilling affair, with Rwanda surprisingly leading the pack, closely followed by powerhouses Nigeria and South Africa. The Super Eagles, under new leadership with Finidi George at the helm, will face a daunting challenge against South Africa in Uyo.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, led by interim coach Jairos Tapera, will take on Lesotho in Johannesburg, adding another layer of unpredictability to this fiercely competitive group.
The stakes are equally high in Group D, where Cameroon and Cabo Verde, both sitting on four points, will go head-to-head in Yaounde.
Libya and Angola are also in contention, making this group one of the most open and unpredictable.
Angola will host Eswatini, looking to build on their mixed AFCON performance, while Libya and Mauritius will clash in a crucial encounter. Cafonlineunturned in their pursuit of glory.
Online Reporter