Sadio Mane scored two goals in his 100th cap for Senegal as they began their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 4-0 victory over South Sudan. South Africa also secured a win, with a 2-1 victory over Benin, while Tanzania won 1-0 away to Niger.
Mane, who was twice named African Footballer of the Year, set up the opening goal for Pape Matar Sarr in the first minute and scored his own five minutes later with an assist from Idrissa Gana Gueye. Teenager Lamine Camara added a third goal just before halftime with a debut goal.
The 31-year-old Mane added another goal from the penalty spot in the second half before being substituted out at the 63-minute mark. Senegal will play their next qualifier against Togo on Tuesday.
The nine qualifying groups are looking to advance to the 2026 finals, which will be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. Senegal is heavily favored in their group, with the Democratic Republic of Congo expected to be their toughest opponents.
South Africa took the top spot in Group C after defeating Benin. Percy Tau scored in the second minute and Khuliso Mudau added another goal before halftime. Benin pulled one back, but South Africa held on for the win.
Australian-based striker Charles M’Mombwa scored in his first game for Tanzania as they beat Niger in Group E. His goal strengthened his chances of being selected for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in the Ivory Coast in January.
A total of 19 African countries had to move their home qualifiers to neutral venues due to poor facilities or security concerns. Five more African qualifiers are scheduled for Sunday, with heavyweight contenders Algeria, Egypt, and Nigeria all facing difficult away games.
(Editing by Ed Osmond)
