Matchday eight of Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers served up drama across the continent as Uganda kept their Group G push alive, Algeria were held by Guinea, Malawi staged a spirited comeback against Liberia, Madagascar overpowered Chad, and Guinea-Bissau revived their hopes against Djibouti.
Allan Okello and Jude Ssemugabi struck in the first half as Uganda claimed a 2-0 home win over Somalia on Monday.
Okello opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the sixth minute, before Ssemugabi doubled the lead with a composed finish in the 39th minute.
Somalia raised its intensity after the break, but Uganda goalkeeper Jamal Magoola stood firm to keep the visitors at bay.
Uganda captain Khalid Aucho praised the team’s effort after collecting maximum points from two qualifiers in quick succession. “We have worked hard as a team, winning and scoring a total of six goals in two matches,” he said.
The victory lifted Uganda to 15 points, keeping them second in Group G, four points behind Algeria, which was held to a goalless draw by Guinea.
Nine African teams will earn automatic spots at next summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with one additional place available via an inter-confederation playoff.
Below are the full matchday eight results:
Uganda 2–0 Somalia
Scorers: Allan Okello (6 pen), Jude Ssemugabi (39)
Uganda responded to Mozambique’s earlier win by taking care of business in Kira Town.
Allan Okello put the Cranes in front from the spot on six minutes and Jude Ssemugabi doubled the lead before the interval.
The result moves Uganda level with Mozambique in second place in Group G, behind leaders Algeria, whom they face in a pivotal October fixture.
Guinea 0–0 Algeria
Algeria’s usually reliable attack misfired in Casablanca as the Fennecs failed to score in a World Cup qualifier for the first time in 37 matches.
Guinea goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz impressed, while Mohamed Amoura spurned Algeria’s best opening.
Djamel Belmadi’s side remain top on 19 points but must wait until October to rubber-stamp qualification.
Malawi 2–2 Liberia
Scorers: Gabadinho Mhango (72), Chawanangwa Kawonga (80) for Malawi; Ayouba Kosiah (4, 61) for Liberia
Ayouba Kosiah’s brace — including a bicycle kick inside four minutes — appeared to have put Liberia on course for a precious away victory in Lilongwe.
But Malawi rallied late, Gabadinho Mhango halving the deficit before Chawanangwa Kawonga levelled eight minutes later to secure a point for the Flames after an end-to-end contest.
Madagascar 3–1 Chad
Scorers: Warren Caddy (51), Rayan Raveloson (68), Hakim Abdallah (90+3) for Madagascar; Yves Allarabaye (24) for Chad
Chad led through Yves Allarabaye’s breakaway goal, but the Barea roared back after half-time.
Warren Caddy’s volley restored parity, Rayan Raveloson’s header turned the match, and Hakim Abdallah sealed it deep into stoppage time.
The victory lifts Madagascar alongside Ghana at the top of their section with three games to play.
Guinea-Bissau 2–0 Djibouti
Scorers: Iano Simão (54), Fali Candé (82)
Guinea-Bissau made their pressure tell after the interval in Bissau.
Iano Simão’s thumping strike broke Djibouti’s resistance and Fali Candé’s late header wrapped up a deserved win.
The Djurtus close to within four points of Burkina Faso, who face leaders Egypt on Tuesday in a meeting that could reshape Group A’s chase.
Following are the FIFA World Cup African qualifying leading scorers after Monday’s matches:
8: Bouanga (Gabon)
7: Salah (Egypt)
6: Amoura (Algeria), Ayew (Ghana), Doumbia (Mali)
5: Barrow (Gambia), Raveloson (Madagascar), L. Traore (Burkina Faso), Trezeguet (Egypt)
4: Aboubakar (Cameroon), El Kaabi (Morocco), Maolida (Comoros), Minteh (Gambia), Mounie (Benin), Olunga (Kenya), Ouattara (Burkina Faso)
