Mexico, 26 March (H.S.): Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco have bolstered their chances for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Sudan's aspirations faced a setback after the sixth qualifying round.

Sudan, playing home games on neutral ground due to ongoing civil war, conceded a late equalizer against South Sudan, dropping to third in Group B. DR Congo leads the group following a 2-0 victory over Mauritania, ahead of Senegal and Sudan.

Egypt secured a 1-0 win against Sierra Leone to maintain a five-point lead in Group A, while Algeria moved three points clear in Group G, thanks to Mohamed Amoura's hat-trick in a 5-1 victory over Mozambique.

Morocco stands strong with a nine-point lead after defeating Tanzania 2-0. Only group winners will qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament, with the four best second-placed teams competing for a final spot.

Nigeria risks elimination after a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe, trailing six points behind Group C leaders South Africa. The next rounds are scheduled for September and October.

In Group D, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon secured a convincing 3-1 victory against the Sharks. Vincent Aboubakar opened the scoring with a penalty, followed by Bryan Mbeumo adding another goal early in the second half.

Aboubakar then capitalized on a Mbeumo pull-back to extend the lead to 3-0. Despite the Mediterranean Knights managing to score in injury time, Cameroon held on for the win, placing them second in the group with 12 points, just behind Cape Verde, who have 13.

In Group A, Egypt faced challenges against Sierra Leone but ultimately won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Zizo just before half-time. Mohamed Salah remains the top scorer with six goals in the African preliminaries.

Meanwhile, Algeria enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 victory over Mozambique, with Mohamed Amoura netting a hat-trick after also scoring twice against Botswana earlier in the week.

Algeria leads the standings with 15 points, followed by Mozambique and Botswana, who recently defeated Somalia 2-0. Uganda also triumphed at home against Guinea, thanks to a spectacular free-kick by Allan Okello.

Tuesday's African World Cup qualifying resultsEgypt 1-0 Sierra Leone (Group A)

Sudan 1-1 South Sudan (Group B)

Mauritania 0-2 DR Congo (Group B)

Senegal 2-0 Togo (Group B)

Benin 0-2 South Africa (Group C)

Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe (Group C)

Rwanda 1-1 Lesotho (Group C)

Angola 1-2 Cape Verde (Group D)

Cameroon 3-1 Libya (Group D)

Morocco 2-0 Tanzania (Group E)

Burundi 5-0 Seychelles (Group F)

Botswana 2-0 Somalia (Group G)

Uganda 1-0 Guinea (Group G)

Algeria 5-1 Mozambique (Group G)

Comoros 1-0 Chad (Group I)

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar