Trezeguet scored twice as Egypt continued their 100% start to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso, but Algeria were stunned at home by Guinea.
In the meantime, Jordan Ayu scored an injury-time winner for Ghanawho came from behind to secure a crucial 2-1 victory in Mali.
Somewhere else Senegalwith Sadio Mane absent through injury, they were held to a 1-1 draw by DR Congo in Diamniadio in what was Aliu Cisse’s 100th game in charge of the Teranga Lions.
There were also wins for Benin, Libya, Malawi and Sudan, while former Fulham assistant manager Luis Boa Morte began his tenure in charge of Guinea-Bissau with a goalless draw at home to Ethiopia.
All the nations playing on Thursday face one more game before the middle of next week, when Africa’s World Cup qualifiers break until March next year.
The continent is guaranteed nine places in the 2026 finals Canada, Mexico and the United States, with all group winners having booked a place in the tournament.
Egypt took control of their match against Burkina Faso as ex Aston Villa Striker Trezeguet struck twice in the opening seven minutes in Cairo, first with a powerful header from Mohamed Salahhis cross and then a low left-footed strike across the face of the goal.
The Pharaohs saw out victory despite Lassina Traore pulling one back from close range after the break, and Hossam Hassan’s men are now four points clear at the top of Group A after the draw in Guinea-Bissau.
Former Liverpool striker Mane was ruled out of both of Senegal games this month with a foot injury but Ismaila Sarr gave the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winners the lead against DR Congo in first-half injury time when he came on after his initial effort hit the post.
Nicholas Jackson could have sealed victory late on but the Chelsea The forward hit a left-hander into the upright after scoring on goal, and substitute Fiston Mailel smashed into the top right corner with five minutes remaining to equalize for the Leopards.
Senegal slipped from the top of Group B with a result as Sudan now leads by two points after the loss Mauritania 2-0 in Nouakchott.
Seif Teiri bravely headed home after 15 minutes and Aly Abeid then turned an attempted cross past his keeper just before the half-hour mark.
Mahrez is missing but Ayew wins for the Black Stars
There was a loss for Vladimir Petkovic in his first competitive game in charge Algeria after the previous one Switzerland the coach left former captain Riyad Mahrez out of the squad.
Petkovic said the former Manchester City forward, who is now playing Saudi Arabia, had requested a break from the national team and would be in touch again when he was ready for a recall. Mahrez, however, posted on social media that he was waiting to be called by Petkovic or the Algerian football federation.
The North Africans lagged against Guinea In the 50th minute, Morlai Sigia burst into the box, but the Fennecs were quickly level as Said Benrahma’s effort hit the post and deflected off Cili National defender Yasser Balde.
However, a fine volley from Aguibou Camara saw the West Africans regain the lead and seal a 2-1 victory after Baghdad Bounedjah and Mohamed Amoura failed to convert late chances, with the two teams now six points clear at the top of Group G.
There was late drama in Bamako, where Crystal Palace striker Jordan Ayew fired home the winner in the 94th minute. Ghana victory over Yes in Otto Addo’s first competitive game back as Black Stars coach.
The home side had taken the lead at half-time with a terrific goal from Kamori Dubia as his shot deflected off a defender and then went in behind the Eagles striker.
However, Ernest NuamaThe back-post’s powerful header dragged Ghana back into the contest just before the hour mark and Ayew’s late strike sparked wild celebrations as they edged past Mali to draw level with Group I leaders Comoros.
Libya advance to the top of the group
Somewhere else Benin Rhythm Rwanda 1-0 to fall behind the Group C leaders on goal difference.
Doku Dodo’s goal came eight minutes before the break in a game played in neutral Ivory Coast as the Squirrels do not have a suitable venue to host internationals.
Earlier, goals from captain Faisal Al Badri and Ahmed Ekrawa were enough to give Libya 2-1 win Mauritius in Benghazi despite the Mediterranean Knights finishing with 10 men following a late red card for Ali Youssef.
Libya are now three points clear at the top of Group D ahead of their nearest rivals Cameroon and Cape Verde face each other on Saturday.
Malawi moved up to third in Group H after a 3-1 home win Sao Tome and Principe in Lilongwe.
The Flames have six points from three matches and are three points behind the group leaders Tunisia, who beat Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday.
The qualifiers continue on Friday, with Nigeria hospitality South Africa in a crucial Group C clash while continental champions Ivory Coast and the 2022 World Cup semi-finals Morocco is between the sides in action.
The results of Thursday’s African World Cup qualifiers
Egypt 2-1 Burkina Faso (Group A)
Guinea-Bissau 0-0 Ethiopia (Group A)
Senegal 1-1 DR Congo (Group B)
Mauritania 0-2 Sudan (Group B)
Benin 1-0 Rwanda (Group C)
Libya 2-1 Mauritius (Group D)
Algeria 1-2 Guinea (Group G)
Malawi 3-1 Sao Tome and Principe (Group H)
Yes 1-2 Ghana (Group I)