World Cup (Q): Sosah strikes as Niger win at Tanzania

Daniel Sosah and Niger created suspense in the race to be runner-up in Group E from 2026 World Cup qualifying with a surprise 1-0 victory over hosts Tanzania at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar on Tuesday.

Kazakhstan-based striker Sosah finished close to the hour mark to give the Menas a massive victory away from home. The forward arrived at the far post with a sliding finish from Issa Djibrilla’s cross to punish hosts Tanzania for an uninspired effort.

There was little to separate the sides throughout. Needing a victory to strengthen their hold on second place and compete for a place in the zonal qualification playoff as one of the top runners-up in the group stage, the Taifa Stars failed to seize the initiative and their hopes of qualification are all but evaporated following Tuesday’s result.

Tanzania still lead Niger by a point in second place but even a victory at home against Zambia in their final fixture in October will likely not be enough. Niger can make a final push for the qualification playoff if they can defeat Congo and win at Zambia in October.

Group winners Morocco officially qualified for the World Cup earlier in the September window before winning at Zambia and now they will be the only team to qualify out of Group E.

Group E Table

1. Morocco- 21 points (7 matches played)
2. Tanzania- 10 points (7 matches)
3. Niger- 9 points (6 matches)
4. Zambia- 6 points (6 matches)
5. Congo- 1 point (6 matches)