2026 FIFA WC: Libya, Ghana claim crucial wins
Cairo, Egypt (PANA) - Libya and Ghana both secured important victories in their respective FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaigns on Monday evening, with results that could prove pivotal in the race for group supremacy and a place at the 2026 global showpiece.
Libya beat Eswatini 2-0 while Ghana edged Mali 1-0.
In Benghazi, Libya produced a dominant first-half display to see off Eswatini to move further up Group D, CAF Online reported.
The Mediterranean Knights struck early when Mohamed A. S. Eisa opened the scoring in the eighth minute. The hosts doubled their advantage just 11 minutes later as Faraj El Maremi converted from close range following a clever assist by Salama.
Eswatini attempted to respond after the interval, making several substitutions to freshen their attack, but Libya’s defence remained disciplined and secured the clean sheet. The result lifts Libya into third place in Group D, reviving their hopes of staying in contention for qualification.
Cape Verde top the group with 16 points, followed by Cameroon with 15 and Libya with 14. Angola lie fourth with 7, Mauritius have 5 and Eswatini have 2 points.
Meanwhile in Kumasi, Ghana edged a tense 1–0 battle against Mali in Group I.
After a goalless first half, the breakthrough arrived four minutes into the second period when Alexander Djiku headed home from a corner by captain Jordan Ayew which should have been handled by the keeper but a lapse in concentration saw Djiku finding the back of the net from the last pole.
Mali made a series of attacking changes in search of an equaliser, introducing fresh legs but they were repeatedly thwarted by a disciplined Black Stars backline protected by the ever-green Thomas Partey.
The victory, sealed in front of an ecstatic home crowd, allows Ghana to extend their lead at the top of Group I, putting them firmly in control of their qualification path.
Ghana lead with 19 points in the tight group, Madagascar have 16, Comoros have 15, Mali 12, Central African Republic 5 and Chad 1.
With Libya climbing in Group D and Ghana tightening their grip on Group I, both nations will look to build on these hard-fought wins as the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 continues.
The African qualifiers continue on Tuesday, with more fixtures set to take place as the race to the Americas continues.
-0- PANA MA 9Sept2025
