Burkina Faso keep 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive, CAR hold Mali

Burkina Faso kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive on Monday evening with a narrow 2-1 victory over Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.

Fresh off a commanding 4-1 win over Djibouti on Matchday 5, the Stallions continued their momentum with another crucial away victory.

The result keeps them within touching distance of Group A leaders Egypt, who hold a two-point lead with a game in hand.

Lassina Traore starred for Burkina Faso, scoring twice – first with an early strike in the sixth minute and then again in the second half – to secure the win.

His brace canceled out Zidane Banjaqui’s 36th-minute goal for Guinea-Bissau, ensuring the Stallions claimed all three points.

Meanwhile, in Paynesville, Liberia secured a 2-1 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe in a Group H clash, moving up to third place in the standings.

Nicholas Andrews opened the scoring early before Jimmy Farkalun doubled Liberia’s lead in the 32nd minute. The win puts them in contention for qualification, with just three points separating them from group leaders Tunisia.

Mali Miss Chance to Close Gap on Leaders Ghana

In Group I, Mali missed an opportunity to close the gap on table-toppers Ghana after being held to a goalless draw at Stade Larbi Zaouli in Morocco.

The result leaves Mali in third place behind Ghana and second-placed Madagascar, while the Central African Republic sit in fifth place, just behind Comoros.