Kenya's World Cup hopes dwindle as Ivory Coast secure win over Gambia

The Ivory Coast moved back to the top of Group F in the 2026 World Cup Qualifying with a laboured 1-0 success over the Gambia on Monday evening.

Sebastian Haller secured the three points with a neat finish on 15 minutes to give the home side an early lead, thanks to awesome wing play by Simon Adingra.

They were however forced to hang on in the end as a determined Gambia tried their uttermost to get back into the match but to no avail.

The win was vital for the Ivorians as they leapfrogged Gabon to take back top spot.

The Gabonese had beaten Kenya 2-1 in Nairobi on Sunday to take a two point lead over their West African neighbours. Ivory Coast top Group F with 16 points. Gabon have 15, Burundi seven, Kenya six, The Gambia four and Seychelles none.

In other matches of the night, Group H leaders Tunisia grabbed a late 2-0 win over 10-man Malawi in Rades thanks to a header from Seifeddine Jaziri on 86 minutes and an added-time penalty converted by Elias Achouri.

Richard Mbulu missed a penalty for the Malawians, who had defended stoically after Lloyd Aaron was sent off on 65 minutes.

Second-placed Namibia drew 1-1 with Equatorial Guinea in the South African city of Polokwane.

Peter Shalulile gave the Namibians the lead on 51 minutes but Saul Coco secured a draw for the visitors.

Lassina Traore scored twice as Burkina Faso won 2-1 in Guinea-Bissau and moved within two points of Group A leaders Egypt, who host Sierra Leone on Tuesday.

Egypt have been African champions a record seven times, but qualified for the World Cup only twice.

The Pharaohs have 13 points, Burkina Faso 11 and Sierra Leone eight.

Ethiopia ran riot against Djibouti to win 6-1 with Bereket Desta and Abubeker Nassir scoring hat-tricks in El Jadida to secure their first win of the campaigns.

Monday results

Guinea Bissau V Burkina Faso 1-2

Ethiopia V Djibouti 6-1

Ivory Coast V Gambia 1-0

Namibia V Equatorial Guinea 1-1

Liberia V Sao Tome 2-1

Tunisia V Malawi 2-0

Central African Republic V Mali 0-0

Madagascar V Ghana 0-3