Big win for Egypt, Nigeria only claim a point
Sixteen teams began their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday as Egypt hammered Djibouti while Algeria also picked up a win in their opening match.
Twenty-seven goals were scored across the eight games and the day started with Burundi emerging 3-2 victors against Gambia at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam,
The Swallows went into the break 2-1 up courtesy of goals from Abedi Bigirimana (31') and Frederic Nsabiyumva (35') before Musa Barrow (45+4') halved the deficit on the stroke of halftime.
Sudi Abdallah (75') sealed the win, although Ebrima Colley (90+8' PEN) pulled another one back for the Scorpions deep into stoppage time.
Mozambique came out on top in a Southern African derby after they beat Botswana 3-2 at the Francistown Stadium.
Clesio (14') broke the deadlock early on in Francistown and Stanley Ratifo (52') doubled the Mambas' lead, but two goals in quick succession saw Molaodi Tlhalefang (74') hit back for the Zebras before Jonathan Muiomo (75') found a swift reply at the other end and Mogakolodi Ngele (85') got his name on the scoresheet late on to set up a tense finish.
It was the Mohamed Salah show at the Cairo International Stadium as Egypt thumped Djibouti to take early command of Group A.
Salah (17', 22' PEN, 48', 69') scored four himself in Cairo and further goals from Mostafa Mohamed (73') and Trezeguet (89') completed the rout.
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