Sports

World Cup qualifier: Senegal, Morocco into next phase, Nigeria stumbles

Senegal and Morocco are into the next phase of the 2022 World Cup qualifying series in the African zone.

Famara Diedhiou scored a hat-trick on Tuesday, to send Senegal into the final phase of qualifying.

The Teranga Lions defeated Namibia 3-1 in Johannesburg, taking them up to 12 points in Group H after four games.

Morocco also guaranteed top spot in Group I with two games left to play.

South Africa travel to Ghana for their last qualifier next month.

Riyad Mahrez opened the scoring as Algeria reclaimed top place in Group A by beating Niger 4-0 away in Niamey. The African champions lead Burkina Faso on goal difference, with the two countries set for a showdown next month.

Last weekend, Nigeria exacted revenge on the Central African Republic with a 2-0 win in Douala, following a shock 1-0 loss at home to the Wild Beasts

The Super Eagles now have a two-point advantage in Group C over second-placed Cape Verde Islands, who beat Liberia in Mindelo on Sunday. It could yet get down to the wire – a straight shoot-out between Nigeria and Cape Verde in Lagos.

The last two rounds of the group phase of African qualifiers will be played between November 10-16.