2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS: Stars keep hopes alive

CONGO: A LATE goal from substitute Selemani Mwalimu earned Taifa Stars a 1–1 draw against Congo Brazzaville in their FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers Group E match at the Alphonse Massamba-Débat Stadium yesterday.

Mwalimu, who came on in the second half, scored in the 84th minute goal after linking up with Mbwana Samatta in a quick passing move. He calmly finished past Congo goalkeeper Chelcy Bonazebi, keeping Tanzania’s qualifying hopes alive. Earlier, Samatta nearly gave Taifa Stars a lead in the 21st minute with a free-kick, but Bonazebi made a strong save.The foul was drawn by Samatta himself after being brought down by Congo defender, John Kapaya Kamba.

The first half was physical, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield. Neither team created many clear chances and the score remained 0–0 at half-time.

In the second half, Congo stepped up and opened the scoring in the 68th minute. A low shot from outside the box beat Tanzanian goalkeeper, Yakoub Suleiman.

Tanzania pushed forward in response and were rewarded when Mwalimu found the back of the net with just six minutes to play. Congo came close to a second shortly after, when Deogracias Bassinga found Mignon Koto in the box, but the effort went off target.

Tanzania now have 10 points with two matches remaining against Niger on Tuesday and Zambia in October. If they win both, they would finish with 16 points, which could secure qualification depending on other results.

At third place are Zambia with six points from five games tied in points with Niger – six points in four games they have played so far.

Congo-Brazzaville are now out of the race. Their campaign was disrupted by earlier defeats and a temporary suspension of their football association, which was lifted in May.

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Only the winners of each group will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup. The four best second-placed teams will enter a CAF playoff, with a chance to qualify through the inter-confederation playoffs. Tanzania remain in contention, but every point will count as the qualifiers near their conclusion.