The battle for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification delivered another chapter this week, filled with shock results, outstanding performances and controversy from October 7 to 9, 2025. While most domestic leagues are on pause due to the FIFA international window.
Across Africa, several giants made bold statements. Ghana destroyed the Central African Republic 5–0 in Kumasi, while Mali earned a routine 2–0 victory away to Chad.
Egypt were ruthless in their 3–0 demolition of Djibouti and Cameroon maintained control in their group with a 2–0 win over Mauritius. Niger stunned Congo 3–1, Libya and Cape Verde shared six goals in a 3–3, in Tripoli.
Elsewhere, Ethiopia edged Guinea-Bissau 1–0, Eswatini held Angola to a 2–2 draw, Burkina Faso defeated Sierra Leone 1–0 in Freetown, and Zambia claimed a vital 1–0 victory over Tanzania.
In Europe, the Netherlands cemented their top spot with a 4–0 hammering of Malta in Amsterdam, while Denmark thrilled home fans with a resounding 6–0 victory against Belarus in Copenhagen, showcasing the attacking brilliance of their new generation.
Malawi’s Flames were handed a 3–0 walkover win after Equatorial Guinea failed to travel for their scheduled qualifier at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe. FIFA awarded the points to Malawi, citing a breach of competition regulations.
Equatorial Guinea’s coach Juan Micha has since been suspended following internal investigations.
Reports revealed that players had refused to travel due to poor travel arrangements, despite the federation later resolving logistical issues.
The no-show adds to the federation’s troubles after they were previously docked six points for fielding an ineligible player, Emilio Nsue, during earlier matches.
The country’s Ministry of Sports has demanded accountability, warning that players refusing national duty could face disciplinary action.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has urged supporters to keep their tickets from the canceled match, which will still be valid for the upcoming AFCON home fixture.
In the English Premier League, Manchester United minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has thrown his full support behind head coach Rúben Amorim, saying the Portuguese tactician will be given three years to rebuild the club.
Speaking on The Business Podcast, Ratcliffe said success “is not built overnight” and urged fans to trust the process. United have endured a poor run, sitting mid-table after their early Carabao Cup exit to Grimsby Town, but Ratcliffe insisted that Amorim’s long-term vision fits the club’s rebuilding plan.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will remain on top of the Premier League table through the break, leading Manchester City by two points after a strong run of form that has revived their title ambitions.
Back home, Malawi’s sporting spotlight shifts to the FDH Premier Netball League, where Kukoma Diamonds will be out for revenge against Blue Eagles this Saturday, October 11, at Blantyre Sports Arena.
The clash comes just a week after Blue Eagles stunned the Diamonds in the Nico Top 12 Cup in Lilongwe. Both sides remain unbeaten after five games and could overtake Civonets, who currently top the table with 12 points.
Before the big encounter, Kukoma Diamonds will face Lioness at 9:00 AM, while Pacers play Blue Eagles at 10:30 AM. Later in the afternoon, Pacers will take on Lioness in what promises to be another fierce battle.
In the north, Ekwendeni Resource host Vanessa Sisters and Tigresses at Rosedale, while Karonga Queens chase their first win of the season in double fixtures against the same teams.
The National Division League continues despite the top-flight break. Analyst Ibrahim Phiri explained that the competition has gone ahead since most players are not affected by national team call-ups.
The Basketball Association of Malawi (BASMAL) has also confirmed that its annual general meeting will take place on November 8, 2025, in Salima.
General Secretary Peter Gomani said the meeting will address financial reports, youth development and amendments to outdated regulations to align with international basketball standards.
Former Mighty Mukuru Wanderers Team Manager Steve Madeira has demanded a special meeting with club owner Thom Mpinganjira after his recent dismissal.
Madeira insists he was unfairly fired for defending players’ rights and revealed that his MK500,000 monthly salary and MK20,000 allowance were far below what other senior officials earn.
He also denied involvement in Wanderers’ CAF Champions League exit to Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana.
The post Weekend Sports Mirror: World Cup Qualifiers shake up global football as Malawi gain walkover win appeared first on The Maravi Post.