Congo DR

Ahead of this week's African qualifying playoffs -- as Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo look to keep their World Cup hopes alive -- here's ESPN's bumper preview, with predictions.

Democratic Republic of Congo giants Tout Puissant Mazembe have confirmed that one of their supporters was killed during Sunday's Linafoot derby against FC Saint-Etoi Lupopo, after being struck by a machete.

South Africa striker Thembi Kgatlana's stoppage time goal against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday night secured a 1-0 win and saw Banyana Banyana qualify for next year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations.

Kaizer Chiefs will be disappointed to have emerged from the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie against AS Simba with a goalless draw, but will be looking to set the record straight in the second leg on Sunday.

Yoane Wissa ensured Manchester United were brought crashing back to earth with a bump this weekend as the relentless DRC frontman continues to fuel Brentford's dreams of first-ever European qualification.

Captain Mohamed Salah scored for Egypt as they eased to a 2-0 victory over Ethiopia in their 2026 World Cup qualifier on Friday, but 2022 semi-finalists Morocco needed a late winner from Bilal El Khannouss to defeat unfancied Niger.

A 96th-minute winner from Sadio Mane earned Senegal a 1-0 win over Malawi and a place at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco next year, but Ghana are in serious danger of missing out after a surprise loss to Sudan on Tuesday.

Algeria and Senegal both suffered disappointing results in Africa's qualification for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday.

South Africa took third place at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast when they edged the Democratic Republic of Congo 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium on Saturday.

Congo DR players and staff are driven by a desire to bring joy to their conflict-scarred nation