Match Day 03 and 04 of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers came to a grand close on Tuesday, 11 June with four exciting fixtures that concluded what has been an exciting wave of World Cup African qualifiers over the last few days.
Tuesday evening also marked exactly 14-years since the Africa kicked off its first-ever FIFA World Cup that was hosted in South Africa back in 2010.
Morocco were the high scorers of the evening after they put six past Congo Republic to extend their lead at the top of Group E.
Burundi clawed their way into contention for a top spot after a 3-1 victory over Seychelles saw them move up to third in Group F, while Gabon managed a slim 3-2 win over The Gambia to keep a close chase on group leaders, Cote d’Ivoire.
Cameroon could have further extended their lead at the top of Group D but were held to a 1-1 draw by Angola in Luanda.
CAFOnline summarises the last fixtures of the day:
Gabon 3 – 2 The Gambia
A drama-filled five goal thriller took place in Franceville, as Gabon played host to a resilient Gambia that pushed them to the very end in a dramatic 3-2 win for the hosts.
Yankuba Minteh was the first to strike for the visitors ahead of the break, before Jim Allevinah levelled matters shortly after the recess ahead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s strike that put the hosts in the lead.
Denis Bouanga extended Gabon’s lead shortly after, but a 79th minute strike by Ebou Adams resulted in a dramatic finish that saw the hosts holding on for the vital win that sees them just a point behind table toppers, Cote d’Ivoire.
Congo 0 – 6 Morocco
It was a one-sides affair when Congo faced Morocco, with the Atlas lions cruising to a comfortable 6-0 victory to keep hold of the driver’s seat in Group E.
A hat-trick by Ayoub El Kaabi headlined the tie, with goals by Azzedine Ounahi, Chadi Riad and Soufiane Rahimi giving the Atlas Lions the commanding victory.
Seychelles 1 – 3 Burundi
Burundi boosted their chances of qualifying for the global showpiece when they overcame Seychelles 3-1 at home.
A brace by Bienvenue Kanakimana was preceded by a Sudi Abdallah strike in the first half which was enough to give the east Africans the much-needed win that moves them to third on the table behind Cote d’Ivoire and Gabon.
Angola 1 – 1 Cameroon
Bryan Mbeumo’s early strike had initially put the Indomitable Lions in the lead following a great start away from home against Angola.
However, with the match firmly in their control, a lapse in concentration saw the former African champions concede an unfortunate own goal by Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui just before the hour mark which saw the two sides share the spoils in Luanda.
