Mixed results for African heavyweights in October window

The October window of international matches brought mixed results for Africa’s heavyweights, culminating in a 1-1 draw between Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast and South Africa in Abidjan on Tuesday evening.

With the continent’s 2026 World Cup qualifying tournament set to get under way in November, major nations have used this international window to tune up for their attempt to reach the next global showpiece.

Nigeria, for example, played out a 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia last Friday, and then claimed a hard-fought 3-2 win over 10-man Mozambique on Monday.

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro felt his team should have thrashed the Mambas.

“My players were thinking it was going to be easy because Mozambique had a red card," the Portuguese tactician said.

"Last time, I told them that conceding two goals against any team is bad, but today, we did the same.

"We created many chances, almost 13 shots, one-on-one situations, but we didn't utilise them. We had many opportunities, and for that, I am not happy because we did not put as much concentration as we did against Saudi Arabia. [On Monday], we should have scored up to eight goals. We couldn't cross well, we didn't capitalise on our corners. For this, I am sad.”

TOUGH TIME FOR TUNISIA

South Africa and Ivory Coast, prior to their Tuesday night clash, played out a 0-0 draw with Eswatini and 1-1 draw with Morocco respectively, while Algeria and Egypt impressed with victories over Cape Verde and Zambia before playing out a 1-1 draw with each other in the UAE – with the Pharaohs almost pulling out a win despite playing most of the game with 10 men.

“I thought we were strong overall and kept the same performance levels even after the sending-off. I am certainly delighted with the team’s effort,” said Egypt coach Rui Vitoria.

“I will not talk much about the scoreline because my players did well and were impressive today regardless of the result.”

Tunisia had a tough time in their tour of far-East Asia, as they were beaten 4-0 by South Korea and 2-0 by Japan, while Cameroon succumbed both to Russia and reigning African champions Senegal.

Mali did what Nigeria could not by defeating Saudi Arabia, Morocco followed up their 1-1 draw against Ivory Coast with a 3-0 win over Liberia in their final dead-rubber Africa Cup of Nations qualifier (which was postponed from September due to the earthquakes in Morocco), and Ghana suffered a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Mexico in the United States.

The Black Stars will be in action again early on Wednesday morning when they face the US national team at Geodis Park in Nashville.

“I think the challenges are quite obvious. We are up against a very good team that has got good experience with a very good ranking and, of course, playing at home,” said Ghana mentor Chris Hughton.

SELECTED RESULTS

Thursday 12 October

Egypt 1-0 Zambia

Russia 1-0 Cameroon

Algeria 5-1 Cape Verde

Friday 13 October

Korea Republic 4-0 Tunisia

South Africa 0-0 Eswatini

Saudi Arabia 2-2 Nigeria

Saturday 14 October

Ivory Coast 1-1 Morocco

Sunday 15 October