The Ivory Coast continued their strong performance in the World Cup qualifying matches with a 2-0 win against the Gambia, as away teams largely dominated Monday's group matches across Africa. The match, hosted in Dar-es-Salaam due to the Gambia's stadiums being unfit for international play, saw goals from Christian Kouame and Seko Fofana, securing the win for the Ivorians.

Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, and Madagascar also celebrated victories on foreign soil, while Mali experienced an unexpected home draw. The Ivorians, who are set to host the African Cup of Nations in January, now lead Group F alongside Gabon, both with six points. Kenya climbed to third in the group with a decisive 5-0 victory over the Seychelles, a match held in Abidjan due to the Seychelles being among the 19 African nations banned from using their home stadiums.

Kenya's Michael Olunga scored a quick double in the first six minutes, followed by another goal from Masoud Juma before halftime. Rooney Onyango and substitute Benson Omala added two more in the second half, marking an impressive return for Kenya following a two-year FIFA ban.

Equatorial Guinea's Emilio Nsue, who also netted the winning goal against Namibia, scored the decisive goal in their match against 10-man Liberia, propelling them to the top of Group H. In another Group A game, Guinea Bissau edged past Djibouti with a goal from Mauro Rodrigues, while Madagascar defeated Chad 3-0 in Group I, with Njiva Rakotoharimalala scoring twice and Loic Lapoussin sealing the win in stoppage time.

Mali faced a setback in Group I, with Kamory Doumbia's lead against the Central African Republic in Bamako quickly equalized by Geoffrey Kondogbia. The qualifying rounds continue to be competitive, with only the group winners guaranteed a place in the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. The four best second-placed teams will have a chance to qualify through playoff tournaments.

Tuesday's qualifiers include 15 matches, featuring Morocco, last year's World Cup semi-finalists, who are set to face Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam in Group E.