It was a thrilling Friday in African football as Ivory Coast and Senegal took major strides toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

African champions Ivory Coast thrashed the Seychelles 7–0 away to maintain a one-point lead over Gabon in Group F. The Elephants will secure qualification if they defeat Kenya at home on Tuesday.

In Group B, Senegal’s 5–0 demolition of South Sudan kept them two points ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo, who beat Togo 1–0. A home win against Mauritania next week will book Senegal’s ticket to a third consecutive World Cup.

Elsewhere, Benin edged Rwanda 1–0 to go top of Group C, while Nigeria revived their campaign with a 2–1 win over Lesotho — thanks to goals from captain William Troost-Ekong and substitute Akor Adams.