Mixed results for African heavyweights in October window
The October window of international matches brought mixed results for Africa’s heavyweights, culminating in a 1-1 draw between Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast and South Africa in Abidjan on Tuesday evening.
With the continent’s 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament set to get under way in November, major nations have used this international window to tune up for their attempt to reach the next global showpiece.
Nigeria, for example, played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia last Friday, and then claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win over 10-man Mozambique on Monday.
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro felt his team should have thrashed the Mambas.
“My players were thinking it was going to be easy because Mozambique had a red card," the Portuguese tactician said.
"Last time, I told them that conceding two goals against any team is bad, but today, we did the same.
"We created many chances, almost 13 shots, one-on-one situations, but we didn't utilise them. We had many opportunities, and for that, I am not happy because we did not put as much concentration as we did against Saudi Arabia. [On Monday], we should have scored up to eight goals. We couldn't cross well, we didn't capitalise on our corners. For this, I am sad.”
TOUGH TIME FOR TUNISIA
South Africa and Ivory Coast, prior to their Tuesday night clash, played out a 0-0 draw with Eswatini and 1-1 draw with Morocco respectively, while Algeria and Egypt impressed with victories over Cape Verde and Zambia before playing out a 1-1 draw with each other in the UAE – with the Pharaohs almost pulling out a win despite playing most of the game with 10 men.
“I thought we were strong overall and kept the same performance levels even after the sending-off. I am certainly delighted with
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