World Cup (Q): Sosah strikes again as Niger edge Zambia to stay in contention

Daniel Sosah’s second half goal kept Niger’s hopes alive of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup on Sunday with a 1-0 victory at Zambia.

After holding out against an energized home side to keep the match scoreless by halftime, Sosah pounced on a rebound to score the only goal of the match in the 49th minute. The Ménas proceeded to hold on for a crucial victory away from home to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Zambia, eliminated from contention to qualify before Sunday’s Group E finale, pushed hard for a victory in front of their home supporters to end the failed campaign on a positive note. The Chipolopolo looked more likely to score in the first half but a strong performance from the Nigerien defense and goalkeeper Mahamadou Tanja preserved the clean sheet.

Early in the second half, it was Sosah who opened the scoring for his third goal in his last three games for the Ménas. Victorien Adebayor cut inside from the left wing and launched a shot from distance that Chipolopolo keeper Lawrence Mulenga spilled into the path of the Aktobe striker who made no mistake.

The hosts tried to respond instantly through Edward Chilufya and Kings Kangwa but lost momentum against an experienced Nigerien team that managed the game well.

Despite boasting a strong attack that also included Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala, Chipolopolo failed to cause much trouble for the opposition defense for the remainder of the match.

Niger, now confirmed runners-up in Group E, now will wait to see if they qualify for the regional four-team playoff in the African region. They will need Ethiopia to avoid defeat at Burkina Faso later on Sunday as well as Mali, who host Madagascar on Sunday.

Group E will finish up its fixtures on Tuesday when group winners Morocco host last place Republic of Congo.

2026 World Cup Qualifying: Updated Group E Table

1. Morocco- 21 points
2. Niger- 15 points
3. Tanzania- 10 points
4. Zambia- 9 points
5. Congo- 1 point

Updated Group Runners-up Table

1. Gabon- 16 points
2. Niger- 15 points
3. Cameroon- 14 points
4. DR Congo- 13 points
5. Madagascar- 13 points
6. Burkina Faso- 12 points
7. Uganda- 12 points
8. South Africa- 11 points
9. Namibia- 9 points