2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Review: Kenya run riot as Côte d’Ivoire continue dominance
Matchday two of the African qualifying series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Monday, 20 November 2023, concluded with Kenya’s commanding 5-0 victory over Seychelles in Côte d’Ivoire.
The Harambee Stars, who suffered a setback in their first game against Gabon, losing 1-2, rebounded strongly to secure their first win in the qualifiers, with Michael Olunga scoring a brace within the first six minutes of the game.
Meanwhile, the Central African Republic held Mali to a 1-1 draw in Bamako, frustrating the hosts as their captain, Geoffrey Kongdogbia, netted a late equalizer in the 79th minute after conceding through Kamory Doumbia three minutes earlier.
In another match played at a neutral location, the Barea of Madagascar were three goals better than the host, Chad at the Stade Municipal d’Oujda, Oujda courtesy of a brace from Njiva Rakotoharimalala and 91st-minute goal from Union SG midfielder, Loïc Lapoussin.
A goal in each half from Fiorentina’s Christian Kouame and Al Nassr’s Seko Fofana at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam ensured the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire maintained their 100% run in the qualifiers after putting nine past Seychelles in matchday one.
Results of all Monday matches:
Group A
- Djibouti 0-1 Guinea-Bissau
Group F
- Gambia 0-2 Ivory Coast
- Seychelles 0-5 Kenya
Group H
- Liberia 0-1 Equatorial Guinea
Group I
- Chad 0-3 Madagascar
- Mali 1-1 Central African Republic
