The African World Cup qualifying campaign has taken an unexpected turn with several top teams stumbling in their matches. Nigeria, a three-time champion, suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, with Franculino Dju, Mama Balde, and Alvaro Djalo scoring for the hosts. This loss marks Nigeria's first defeat to African opposition by three goals since a 5-1 mauling by Algeria at the 1990 Nations Cup. The Super Eagles, boasting seven Premier League starters, were expected to dominate the match but failed to find a solution.
The defeat has significant implications for Nigeria's qualifying campaign, with Guinea-Bissau now topping Group L with six points and a goal difference of +5. Nigeria sits second on three points, at -2. With only the Group L winner advancing, Nigeria's chances of qualifying are now uncertain. The team's veterans will recall their 2014 loss to Congo, which led to their missing the 2015 finals. The arithmetic is stark, and Nigeria must regroup to avoid another summer at home.
In contrast, Pitso Mosimane's second spell as South Africa coach has started perfectly, with two wins from two matches. The three-time CAF Champions League winner opened with a 2-1 home win over Guinea in Soweto, followed by a 5-0 demolition of Eritrea in Cairo. Relebohile Mofokeng scored his first two senior goals for South Africa, and Sphephelo Sithole, Iqraam Rayners, and Luther Singh added to the tally. Mosimane's contract runs until the 2030 World Cup, and his team has made a statement of intent.
Ghana's campaign has been disastrous, with the Black Stars losing 4-2 to The Gambia at home. Ebrima Colley scored twice, and Omar Colley added another goal as Ghana conceded two goals in a shocking defeat. The loss has put coach Carlos Queiroz under severe pressure, with Ghana sitting bottom of Group C with zero points. Ivory Coast and The Gambia have six points each, and Ghana's task to qualify has become increasingly difficult.
Other African heavyweights have managed to keep their dignity, with some caveats. Algeria trailed 2-0 in Burundi before salvaging a 2-2 draw, while Cape Verde lost 2-1 at home to Rwanda. Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt have won away, with Morocco beating Lesotho 2-0, Senegal defeating Ethiopia 1-0, and Egypt thrashing South Sudan 5-0 with Mohamed Salah rested.
The results reveal temperament, with South Africa showing a new coach and an old reputation for finishing woes. Nigeria and Ghana have shown vulnerability, and the smaller football nations have started to challenge them. Eight sides remain perfect after two rounds, including Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Mali, DR Congo, Rwanda, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau.
The qualifying campaign is a long and challenging marathon, and two matchdays prove very little. However, the results so far indicate that the competition is fierce, and teams must be prepared to face unexpected challenges. Nigeria's next assignment is to remember how to win away, while South Africa's is to maintain their momentum and progress in the campaign.
Key points
- Pitso Mosimane's South Africa started the qualifying campaign perfectly with two wins from two matches.
- Nigeria and Ghana suffered shocking defeats to Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, respectively.
- Eight teams remain perfect after two rounds, including Morocco, Ivory Coast, and South Africa.
