Sao Tome and Principe Entered with the left foot.

The São Tomé and Príncipe team did not start the African qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the best way. On their visit to the Rades Olympic Stadium, in Tunisia, for the opening day of group H, São Tomé was beaten 4-0. The difference in potential between the two teams was clear: Tunisia is 30th in the world rankings, third in Africa, while São Tomé and Príncipe occupies position 187.

African football is in full swing with the exciting qualifications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which has been the scene of intense emotions and surprises, highlighted by Ghana's crucial victory over Madagascar, thanks to Inaki Williams' first international goal in stoppage time.

Meanwhile, Côte d'Ivoire appears as a rising power by demonstrating its dominance by scoring nine goals against the Seychelles, with Premier League players such as Ibrahim Sangare and Hamed Traore shining in the Ivorian ranks.

But not everything was rosy, with Cameroon facing an injury scare due to the injury of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana in their victory over Mauritius. One thing is certain, these events promise a qualification phase full of twists and turns and exciting moments.

Ivory Coast in Alta

Inaki Williams scored his first international goal, securing a precious victory for Ghana over Madagascar in Kumasi. Williams scored in added time to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Madagascar in the first round of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification, while Ivory Coast scored nine goals against the Seychelles.

Other results on Friday included victories for Mali, Tunisia, Zambia and Cameroon, although Cameroon suffered a scare with the injury of Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana who was injured 10 minutes from time.

Premier League players Ibrahim Sangare, Simon Adringa and Hamed Traore scored for Ivory Coast, while Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Aston Villa's Bertrand Traore also made their mark for their respective national teams.

Ghana leaves it to last

The Black Stars looked set to be thwarted in Kumasi, with Melvin Adrien inspired in the Malagasy goal, until Athletic Bilbao striker Williams powerfully headed in Gideon Mensah's 96th-minute cross.

Adrien, who plays in France's fourth division, made saves to deny Williams, Majeed Ashimeru and West Ham midfielder Mohammed Kudus in the second half.

And the islanders, 48 ​​places below the Black Stars in the world rankings, could even have won in the end, as El Hadary Raheriniaina shot over and captain Njiva Rakotoharimalala's header hit the left post.

Ghana, coached by Chris Hughton, participated in the 2022 finals in Qatar and is second seed in Group I, behind Mali.

Onana injury scare

Andre Onana returned to the Cameroon squad in September, helping the Indomitable Lions qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN).

Cameroon beat Mauritius 3-0 in their Group D opener, with Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo opening the scoring just before half-time.

Goals from Georges-Kevin N'Koudou and Frank Magrid sealed the victory for the Indomitable Lions.

However, there is some concern over Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana who left the game injured in the 81st minute. Cameroon will face Libya on Tuesday.

The Other Games

Ivory Coast dominated the Seychelles 9-0 in their Group F encounter in Abidjan. Sebastien Haller's 20th-minute penalty started the rout, with Nottingham Forest's Ibrahim Sangare scoring four minutes later. There were two goals from Karim Konate and Hamed Traore, with Simon Adringa, Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso also on the scoring list.

In Group I, Mali had to work hard for a 3-1 victory over Chad, securing victory with goals from Kamory Doumbia, Youssoufou Niakate and Ibrahima Sissoko.

In Group E, Leicester City striker Patson Daka scored twice as Zambia's Chipolopolo beat Congo 4-2 in their first game with former Rangers striker Fashion Sakala also on the list of markers.

Veteran striker Youssef Msakni was among the goals as Tunisia secured a comfortable 4-0 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe to start their Group H campaign. Seydouba Cisse scored for Guinea in the fifth minute of added time to ensure Syli National a 2-1 home win over Uganda.

In Group G in Berkane, Morocco places the West Africans tied on three points with Algeria and Mozambique.

Libya began their Group D campaign with a 1-0 away win against Eswatini, with the game taking place in Nelspruit, South Africa and in Group I, the Comoros beat the Central African Republic 4-2 in Moroni.

In Group H, Malawi opened with a 1-0 away win against Liberia and Burkina Faso came from behind to draw 1-1 with Guinea-Bissau in their first Group A game thanks to an equalizer by Bertrand Traore of Aston Villa.

The Qualifications

Seventeen African nations were forced to play their qualifiers on neutral grounds, either because they do not have international standard stadiums or for security reasons.

There are three more first-round games on Saturday, with African champions Senegal playing at home against South Sudan. Before that, South Africa will host Benin and Niger will face Tanzania.

Africa is guaranteed nine places for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with all group winners guaranteed a place in the championship.

The results:

Burkina Faso 1-1 Guinea-Bissau (Group A)

Cameroon 3-0 Mauritius (Group D)

Eswatini 0-1 Libya (Group D)

Zambia 4-2 Congo Brazzaville (Group E)

Guinea Conakry 2-1 Uganda (Group G)

Ivory Coast 9-0 Seychelles (Group F)

Liberia 0-1 Malawi (Group H)

Tunisia 4-0 São Tomé and Príncipe (Group H)

Comoros 4-2 Central African Republic (Group I)

Ghana 1-0 Madagascar (Group I)

Mali 3-1 Chad (Group I)

Conclusion

As the echoes of the goals resonate across African fields, Côte d'Ivoire demonstrates overwhelming offensive power, leading Group F with authority. However, concerns over Andre Onana's injury highlight the unpredictability and fragility of the sport.

While Ghana saved its dramatic victory until last, other teams such as Mali and Zambia show their strength and determination on their way to the World Cup.

With a close eye on the next phases, African football is destined to offer more emotions, surprises and, possibly, future stars to shine on the international stage.

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Picture: © 2023 Mohamed Messara