Niger 3–1 Congo: Ménas roar back into World Cup contention

By Angu Lesley 

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

Niger reignited their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualification hopes with a commanding 3–1 victory over Congo in Niamey, breathing new life into their campaign and climbing to second place in Group E behind runaway leaders Morocco.

Goals from Daniel Sosah, Youssouf Oumarou, and Victorien Adebayor powered Harouna Doula’s side to a crucial win that keeps them firmly in the hunt for a play-off berth with two matches remaining.

The Ménas made an assertive start, dominating possession and pinning Congo deep inside their half. The breakthrough came after 26 minutes when Sosah latched onto a clever through ball from Amadou Sabo, guiding his shot beyond the goalkeeper to send the home crowd into raptures. Niger continued to push forward, and their pressure paid off just before half-time as Oumarou curled a brilliant effort into the top corner to double the lead.

Congo briefly came to life after the break, showing greater intensity and pulling one back through Déo Bassinga, who capitalised on a defensive mix-up to make it 2–1. However, Niger’s response was immediate — Adebayor restored the two-goal cushion midway through the second half, calmly slotting home after a slick counterattack. The hosts controlled proceedings from then on, with goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda making a vital late save to preserve their lead.

Table analysis and qualification impact

The victory propels Niger to 12 points, leapfrogging both Zambia and Tanzania to occupy second place. While Morocco appear destined to top the group after maintaining a perfect record, Niger’s resurgence has reopened the race for the continental play-off slot reserved for the best-performing runners-up.

Zambia, with a game in hand, remain within touching distance, but Niger’s superior goal difference and renewed momentum could prove decisive in the closing rounds. Tanzania’s draw at home to Morocco earlier in the week keeps them mathematically alive, yet their inferior defensive record leaves them vulnerable.

Congo, meanwhile, are all but eliminated with a single point from seven matches, their youthful squad struggling to adapt after a turbulent qualifying campaign marked by administrative and form issues.

If Niger can claim results from their next fixtures — away to Zambia in Lusaka and at home against Tanzania — they could finish as one of Africa’s surprise packages in the 2026 qualifiers.

CAF Group E – Updated Standings (8 October 2025)

(Eritrea withdrew prior to the start of qualification.)

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