Colombo: Gambia and Malawi pulled off significant away victories on a lively day of CAF 2026 World Cup qualifying on Friday, while DR Congo strengthened their grip on Group B with a 4-1 win and Guinea kept their Group G challenge alive with a professional 3-0 success.
According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, Gambia stunned Kenya in Nairobi with three first-half goals that changed the shape of Group F. The visitors were in front after 12 minutes when Saidy Sinyan flicked in from a Yankuba Minteh delivery. Minteh then doubled the lead on 26 minutes, finishing off a swift counter after Musa Barrow’s through-ball split the home back line. Barrow added a third on 38 minutes, steering inside the near post to silence the home crowd. Although Kenya regrouped and responded with a goal from Rodgers Ogam on 81 minutes, the damage was already done. Gambia’s victory lifts them to seven points, overtaking Kenya with six points.
In Group B, DR Congo delivered a powerful performance against South Sudan. Cédric Bakamb
u scored twice, with Arthur Masuaku Kayembe assisting the first goal. Nathanaël Mbuku added a third before halftime, while Yoane Wissa scored the fourth goal. South Sudan managed a consolation goal from Kuol Majak. DR Congo now leads the group with 16 points, maintaining a comfortable lead over Senegal and Sudan, who are both on 12 points.
Meanwhile, Guinea secured a crucial 3-0 victory over Somalia in a match played at a neutral venue. Serhou Guirassy opened the scoring, followed by an own goal from Farhan Othman. Substitute Oumar Camara sealed the win in stoppage time. Guinea’s win places them third in Group G with 10 points, behind Algeria and Mozambique.
In Group H, Malawi edged out Namibia with a 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Rabson Mbulu and Gabadinho Mhango. Namibia responded late through Deon Ndeunyema, but Malawi held firm to claim the victory. The result reshapes the group dynamics, with Tunisia leading, while Namibia, Liberia, and Equatorial Guinea remain in a tight contest for the runner-up spot
.
The outcomes of these matches have significantly impacted the standings in the respective groups, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the qualifying rounds. With only two matchdays left in this window, the next set of fixtures will be crucial in determining which teams will advance in the 2026 World Cup qualification.