1. Ghana ends 6 games winless run
Ghana last won a game in June 2024 when they recorded a hard-fought 4-3 win over Central Africa Republic. It was a sweet victory looking at how the visitors troubled the Black Stars. That was a back-to-back win for the Black Stars in the World Cup qualifiers. In the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, which were played between September, October and November, the Black Stars did not win any of the six games played against Angola, Sudan and Niger. It was so disastrous that it forced many Ghanaians to demand a change in every department of the team. Ghana started the year 2025 on a very bright note after smashing the lowly Chad 5-0 at the Accra Sports Stadium. It was Ghana’s first win in 9 months and ended the 6 matches winless run.
2. Eric Chele starts Nigeria’s reign on a brighter note
The Super Eagles had no option but to win in Kigali against Rwanda. Apart from victory, a draw or defeat could have put the Nigerians almost out of contention. Nigeria had failed to win any of their first 4 games before Eric Chelle’s reign. The Malian head coach, in his first game, won 2-0 through Victor Osimehen’s brace. Eric Chelle has gotten a real opportunity to repair his damaged reputation after struggling for the Eagles of Mali and subsequently being sacked. Nigerians will be extremely delighted to see their team finally win a game in the 2026 World Cup, and it was under Eric Sekou Chelle.
3. Morocco on the verge of qualification
Eritrea did not compete in the qualifiers. Congo has been suspended by FIFA so Group E is left with Morocco, Zambia, Niger and Tanzania. The route to the World Cup has become so much easier for Morocco after the 2-1 victory over Niger. The Atlas Lions have won all four games played, and a win in their next game against Tanzania in Oudja will confirm their slot in the USA-CANADA-MEXICO 2026. The Moroccans won all six games during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers and are on course to win all games in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers as well.
4. Kwesi Appiah proves to be a tactical genius
It is very surprising to see Sudan giving the big boys a tougher times. Sudan is still in the middle of a war. And it seems the big issues back home have not had any negative impact on their senior national team. Head coach James Kwesi Appiah has proven to be a tactical genius after devising good strategies against DR Congo, Ghana, Angola and Senegal recently. Sudan has faced all these tougher opponents and has fared fantastically well. Appiah’s Sudan’s approach is always allowing the opponents to have the ball and catch them on the break. Against Senegal, Sudan allowed Senegal to have more possession and shots but had three clear-cut chances to finish off the Terranga Lions but failed. Their success is all down to Kwesi Appiah’s genius, and a little bit of good finishing from their attack can help them shock many tougher opponents.
5. Aliou Cisse’s heartbroken by Fredy on his debut
A win for Libya could have sent them to the top of Group D but Fredy scored in the 94th minute to destroy everything for Libya. Senegalese head coach Aliou Cisse’s much-awaited debut was so successful after Muaid Elaffi put the Libyans ahead in the second half. Fredy scored so late and broke the heart of Aliou Cisse and the entire Libyan heart. Libya are two points behind leaders Cape Verde and will next travel to Cameroon.
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