The Gabon National Football Team secured a hard-fought victory over the Kenya National Football Team, emerging with a 1-2 scoreline in an exciting match. The game saw Gabon take an early lead in the 16th minute when their star forward, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, found the back of the net, sending the Gabonese supporters into a frenzy. The match continued with both teams fighting for control, but it was Aubameyang again who extended Gabon’s advantage early in the second half, scoring a brilliant goal in the 52nd minute to make it 2-0.

Kenya, however, was not to be easily discouraged and responded with determination. In the 62nd minute, Kenyan forward Michael Olunga managed to pull one back for his team, converting a well-placed shot to bring the scoreline to 2-1 and give the Kenyan side a glimmer of hope. Despite their best efforts to find an equalizer, Gabon held firm in defense, ultimately securing the three points and walking away with a well-earned victory.

It was a thrilling encounter that showcased moments of brilliance from both sides, with Aubameyang’s two goals proving to be the difference in the match.

Mariona Caldentey scored a goal of the season contender as Arsenal cruised to a 4-0 win over Liverpool in the WSL. Her stunning strike was the highlight of an impressive performance that helped the Gunners bounce back from a midweek defeat to Real Madrid and an FA Cup exit to Liverpool.

Arsenal dominated the first 28 minutes with several chances, including Frida Maanum hitting the post. Caitlin Foord broke the deadlock, finishing off a scrappy Arsenal corner. Just a minute later, Liverpool defender Jasmine Matthews scored an own goal as she inadvertently deflected Foord’s shot off a Kim Little assist.

Caldentey’s standout goal came after Maanum hit the woodwork again. Caldentey controlled the ball in the box, shifted to her left, and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner.

The second half saw Arsenal take a more cautious approach, with their Champions League match in mind. Matthews scored a second own goal, toe-poking Beth Mead’s cross into her own net for Arsenal’s fourth.

The win keeps Arsenal in the hunt for a top-three finish, closing the gap on Chelsea to five points and staying three ahead of third-placed Manchester United, with both teams playing on Sunday.

Sudan’s impressive run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers continued on Saturday with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against favourites Senegal in Benghazi, Libya.

The result keeps Sudan unbeaten at the top of Group B with 11 points from five matches, two ahead of Senegal and one clear of second-placed DR Congo.

The draw adds pressure on Senegal ahead of their clash with Togo on Tuesday. Despite their experience, Senegal struggled to break down a disciplined Sudanese side, which has emerged as the group’s surprise contender.

Senegal almost took an early lead when Sudan goalkeeper Mohamed Mustafa made a mistake in the first minute, but he recovered in time. Senegal dominated possession, but Sudan posed a greater threat on the counter.

Sudan had the best first-half chance when a forward raced past Edouard Mendy in the 20th minute but fired wide. Senegal also missed a one-on-one and another close-range chance before the break.

Sudan came out more confident in the second half. Three minutes after the restart, Mendy saved a long-range effort and smothered the rebound. Sudan’s penalty appeal was waved away after an attacker went down in the box.

Senegal’s best chance came in the 54th minute when Sadio Mané’s overhead kick went over the bar with the goalkeeper beaten. Sudan’s Walieldin Khidir then scuffed wide from inside the area in the 76th minute, while Mané had another effort cleared off the line.

Neither team found a winner despite late pressure, with Sudan showcasing tactical discipline and Senegal showing growing frustration.

Sudan remains in contention for a first-ever World Cup appearance, while Senegal faces an uphill battle to reclaim the top spot. The next round of fixtures on Tuesday could prove decisive.

Norway cruised to an impressive 5-0 victory over Moldova in a dominant performance. The visitors wasted no time in asserting their superiority, securing the win with a series of clinical goals. The first came from Julian Ryerson, followed by a powerful strike from Morten Aasgaard. Erling Haaland continued his prolific form, adding to the scoreline, while Alexander Sorloth and Elias Hagen Donnum also found the back of the net, completing the comprehensive rout.

Despite a few opportunities for the Moldovan side to get on the board, they were met with a resolute Orjan Nyland in goal, who was in exceptional form and turned away every attempt with ease, effectively keeping his net unbreached. Moldova struggled to break down the Norwegian defense and were left frustrated by the relentless attack and Nyland’s brick-wall performance.

Bojan Miovski scored a goal and assisted another as North Macedonia began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-0 win over Liechtenstein, who suffered their 12th straight defeat in home qualifiers. The match took place at the Rheinpark Stadion, with the snow-capped Alps providing a stunning backdrop.

North Macedonia quickly asserted dominance, with Miovski weaving past Sandro Wieser and rounding goalkeeper Benjamin Buchel to set up Aleksandar Trajkovski for an easy header into an empty net. Despite being largely in control, North Macedonia almost conceded when Villiam Pizzi’s shot nearly got past goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski. Elif Elmas had a goal ruled out for offside before Visar Musliu doubled the lead with a brilliant volley from Isnik Alimi’s flicked-on corner.

Elmas came close to adding another early in the second half, but his shot missed the post. He later forced a fine save from Buchel with a header from Darko Churlinov’s cross. Churlinov himself then had an opportunity, but Buchel was again the savior. Miovski sealed the win with a first-time volley off Bojan Ilievski’s cross, completing a strong performance for North Macedonia.

The visitors cruised through the final minutes, securing their fourth straight win over Liechtenstein without conceding. They’ve now lost just one of their last seven away World Cup qualifiers, ahead of a tougher match against Wales on Tuesday. Liechtenstein faces Kazakhstan on the same day in what looks to be a challenging campaign for them.

Argentina, missing Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, and Rodrigo De Paul, secured a 1-0 win over Uruguay on Friday thanks to Thiago Almada’s stunning 68th-minute strike, bringing them closer to World Cup qualification.

The match lacked clear chances, with both teams managing just one shot on target in the first half. Argentina improved after the break, and Almada’s curling effort from 25 yards beat Uruguay goalkeeper Sergio Rochet.

The game ended with Argentina down to 10 men after Nicolas Gonzalez’s red card for a high boot on Nahitan Nandez in stoppage time. The dismissal means Gonzalez will miss Argentina’s upcoming match against Brazil, where a point will secure World Cup qualification.

Argentina now lead CONMEBOL with a six-point advantage over second-placed Ecuador and a 15-point buffer over Bolivia in the play-off spot. Uruguay, seven points clear of Bolivia, are also on track for qualification.

Stade des Martyrs was adorned in its finest colours, setting the stage for an exciting encounter as the Democratic Republic of Congo welcomed South Sudan. The atmosphere inside the stadium was electric, with fans creating an unforgettable buzz that filled the air with anticipation. It was in the dying moments of the first half, at the 45+3rd minute, that Théo Bongonda broke the deadlock for the Leopards, scoring a crucial goal after receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Yoane Wissa.

The goal came at a pivotal moment, just before the halftime whistle, giving Congo the edge they needed to carry the momentum into the second half. Though the match was tightly contested, the single goal proved to be enough for the Congolese side to secure a narrow but highly valuable victory.

This hard-fought win propelled Congo to the top of Group B, with 10 points, putting them in a strong position as they prepare for the upcoming fixtures between Sudan and Senegal. The victory not only boosted their standing but also instilled a sense of confidence as they look ahead to the remainder of the qualifiers. With this important three points in hand, the Leopards are now in control of their destiny as they aim for a spot in the next major international tournament.

After a nervy and uncertain start to the first half, South Africa gradually found their rhythm and composure after the break, ultimately securing a hard-earned victory over their neighboring rivals, Lesotho, in a match played at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

In the early stages of the match, South Africa struggled to assert control, with Lesotho managing to put up a resilient defense. However, once the second half began, South Africa came out with a renewed sense of urgency and purpose, dictating the tempo of the game. The breakthrough came courtesy of the in-form Relebohile Mofokeng, who scored a well-taken goal to give his side the lead. His clinical finish lifted the spirits of the South African team and the home crowd, who had been waiting anxiously for the opening goal.

Jayden Adams, another key player for South Africa, then made sure of the result with a second goal, which effectively sealed the victory and allowed his team to breathe easy. His composed finish added to South Africa’s growing confidence, and the match ended with the home side firmly in control.

With this important win, South Africa moved to the top of Group C, a crucial position as they look to continue their march towards qualification for the 2026 World Cup. The victory brought them closer to their goal of returning to the global stage, having previously hosted the tournament in 2010. As they progress through the qualifiers, the South Africans are determined to reclaim their place among the world’s footballing elite and make a strong statement in their pursuit of World Cup glory once again.

Burkina Faso delivered a clinical performance in El Jadida, putting four goals past Djibouti to secure a comprehensive victory.

The match began with Josué Tiendrébéogo putting the Stallions ahead in the 12th minute, calmly finishing to open the scoring. Just 21 minutes later, in the 33rd minute, Bertrand Traoré doubled Burkina Faso’s lead with a well-taken goal, giving his side a solid advantage heading into halftime.

After the break, Brama Traoré’s men continued to press with high intensity. Mohamed Zougrana increased their lead further by outwitting the Djibouti goalkeeper, slotting home to extend Burkina Faso’s dominance. In the 67th minute, Lassina Traoré added a fourth goal, further consolidating their control over the match and ensuring there would be no comeback from Djibouti.

Djibouti’s response came late in the game. In the 88th minute, Souleiman Akinbinu converted a penalty, but it proved to be little more than a consolation, doing little to alter the final outcome.

With this convincing win, Burkina Faso moves up to second place in Group A, tied with Sierra Leone, both teams now sitting on 8 points as they continue their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Myles Lewis-Skelly and Harry Kane both found the net, ensuring a victorious start for new England manager Thomas Tuchel with a 2-0 win over Albania at Wembley in their opening World Cup qualifier.

The 18-year-old Lewis-Skelly calmed any early nerves with a composed finish just 20 minutes into his debut for the senior side. It was a historic moment for the young talent, who earned his first England cap after receiving his maiden call-up.

Later in the match, England’s captain, Kane, sealed the victory with a clinical finish following a well-timed touch late in the second half. Their goals gave England a crucial three-point head start in Group K of the World Cup qualifiers.

Lewis-Skelly, who was joined in the starting lineup by the returning Marcus Rashford and fellow debutant Dan Burn, opened the scoring after just 20 minutes, sparking life into the Wembley crowd. The home side quickly turned up the pressure, with Jude Bellingham and Rashford combining well to search for a second goal shortly after.

Bellingham, involved in much of England’s creative play, came close when he met a cross from Kyle Walker, but his header was saved. The best chance, however, fell to Kane, whose follow-up shot was blocked in the box. From the resulting corner, Burn nearly gave the home side a second when his header rattled the crossbar. This came just five days after Burn’s crucial header for Newcastle in their Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool.

England dominated possession throughout the first half, limiting Albania to few opportunities. The visitors’ only real chance came from a miscommunication between goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Burn, when a lofted ball was poorly cleared, but fortunately for England, it struck the bar and stayed out.

In the second half, Tuchel’s team came out with renewed intent. Kane had a chance early on when he glanced a header wide from a Rashford cross. Despite this, Albania’s substitution of Armando Broja introduced a new threat. Broja, on loan from Chelsea to Everton, played a precise pass to his teammate Kristjan Asslani, but Ezri Konsa made a vital last-ditch clearance to avert the danger.

With the Albanian threat beginning to grow, Kane put the match beyond doubt in the 77th minute, netting to extinguish any hope of an Albanian comeback. The goal allowed England to cruise to a comfortable win.

For Tuchel, who last experienced a Wembley victory with Chelsea in 2022, this was the perfect way to kick off his tenure as England manager. He will now lead the team into their next qualifier on Monday against Latvia, as their campaign to secure a spot in the World Cup continues.