South Africa booked their return to the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time since 2010 after a dramatic final day of African qualifying — a night defined by Victor Osimhen’s masterclass that sent Benin tumbling and Nigeria soaring.
Elsewhere, Uganda stunned already-qualified Algeria to claim the Group G runners-up spot, while The Gambia closed out their campaign with a goal-fest in the Seychelles.
Nigeria scorers: Osimhen (3, 37, 51), Onyeka (90)
Victor Osimhen produced one of the finest individual performances of the qualifiers as Nigeria dismantled Group C leaders Benin 4–0 in Uyo.
The Super Eagles got off to a flying start when Samuel Chukwueze pounced on a loose pass and fed Osimhen, who clinically slotted home inside three minutes.
Benin never recovered from that early blow, and Osimhen struck again before the break — a towering header from Chukwueze’s pinpoint cross — to double Nigeria’s advantage.
The Galatasaray striker completed his hat-trick six minutes into the second half, nodding in Moses Simon’s free-kick to crush Benin’s resistance.
Substitute Frank Onyeka volleyed home late on to complete the rout, sending Benin from first to third and allowing South Africa to top the group and seal automatic qualification.
Nigeria, meanwhile, finish second and must now wait to learn if they will qualify for the FIFA Play-off Tournament as one of the four best runners-up.
South Africa scorers: Mbatha (5), Appollis (26), Makgopa (72)
South Africa’s long wait for another World Cup appearance is finally over.
Knowing they needed both a win and help from elsewhere, Bafana Bafana did their part in emphatic style in Mbombela.
Thalente Mbatha ignited early celebrations with a powerful strike that squeezed through goalkeeper Fiacre Ntwari’s gloves, before Oswin Appollis doubled the advantage midway through the first half with a crisp finish from Evidence Makgopa’s assist.
The pair combined again after the interval as Appollis’s corner found Makgopa, who headed home to seal a commanding victory and spark jubilant scenes across the country.
The Gambia scorers: Sidibeh (2, 46), Manneh (24, 67, 75), Barrow (47, 52)
Already out of contention, The Gambia still put on a show in Saint Pierre with an emphatic win over the Seychelles.
Abdoulie Manneh led the charge with a hat-trick, while Adama Sidibeh and Musa Barrow each netted twice. The result ensured the Scorpions ended their campaign on a high, with their attack firing on all cylinders despite elimination.
Guinea scorers: Traoré (18), Baldé (34)
Botswana scorers: Boy (7), Mohutsiwa (45+1)
An entertaining draw in Conakry saw Abdoul Traoré continue his breakout form with another goal for Guinea, who battled back from an early setback.
After Segolame Boy gave Botswana the lead, Traoré headed home a superb equaliser before Aliou Baldé fired the hosts in front with a solo effort. But the Zebras refused to wilt, and Gape Mohutsiwa restored parity on the stroke of half-time.
Mozambique scorer: Catamo (5)
Mozambique closed their qualifying campaign with a narrow win over Somalia in Bir El Djir, Algeria.
Geny Catamo took advantage of an early mix-up in the Somali defence to slot home inside five minutes, and that proved enough for Chiquinho Conde’s men to claim all three points.
Despite a spirited effort, Somalia failed to score their first World Cup qualifying goal since June 2024.
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Chipolopolo Soccer Fans Association Chairman, Yotham Mwanza, says time has come for Coach, Avram Grant, to step down as head coach of the Zambia National Soccer Team.
Mr. Mwanza said Coach Grant’s performance since his appointment has been below expectations, and that the team’s results under his leadership have continued to disappoint fans.
He stated that if Grant cannot mutually part ways with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Zambians are willing to contribute towards paying off his contract so that the team can have a new technical bench.
“If FAZ is afraid to relieve him of his duties due to contractual obligations, every Zambian can contribute K10 each so that Grant can be paid off his dues,” said Mr. Mwanza.
He emphasized that it is inevitable for the team to make changes to the technical bench, saying a local technical bench is capable of producing better results.
And reacting to government’s decision to suspend funding to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) following a poor run of results, Mr. Mwanza said the move was made out of emotions and could negatively affect all levels of football development.
He explained that the suspension of funding would not only impact the senior men’s team but also women’s football and grassroots programs.
Mr. Mwanza acknowledged that the senior national team’s performance has been questionable in recent years, but urged for dialogue to resolve the challenges without disrupting football operations.
He expressed optimism that with constructive engagement, a lasting solution could be found to improve the national team’s performance.
-RCV
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| Mwamba Makonde | October 13, 2025 |
Former Chipolopolo coach WEDSON NYIRENDA has called for reflection and responsibility following Zambia’s 1-nil defeat to Niger in the final Group E’ FIFA World Cup qualifier played in Ndola.
Speaking to ZNBC Sport, NYIRENDA described the result as disappointing and said Zambia’s exit from the World Cup race should serve as a wake-up call.
He has stressed the need for Zambia to return to the drawing board and align with modern standards of international football to enhance the quality of the game locally.
Meanwhile, football fan DEPSON CHIPILINGU says the Chipolopolo need to improve their coordination and build stronger team chemistry.
Another fan, GODFREY CHIKAMBA, expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s display, saying the current squad lacks passion that once defined Zambian football.
And Zambia coach AVRAM GRANT said despite the disappointing result, the qualification campaign offered valuable lessons for the team.
GRANT said the focus has now shifted to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations – AFCON- expressing confidence that the Chipolopolo have made significant progress on the football side.
ZNBC
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