FIFA World cup qualifiers Qatar 2022: Roundup of all 1st leg action

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By Kwame Michael, sports writer

Football couldn't get enough of the weekend as international games were held across the globe. Pretty exciting moments as well as sad ones, surprises and much more. 

Jetting off from Africa, fives games were held across the continent with one win for the Egyptians who narrowly beat African champions Senegal by a lone goal in Cairo, thanks to a Cissé own goal in the first half.

In the other matches, The Black Stars of Ghana shocked their Nigerian counterparts with a sterling performance as they drew 0-0 at home in Kumasi. 

Debutante Denis Odoi in action

Unlike the previous meetings, the Stars lighted the atmosphere with terrific displays from a young team led by Borussia Dortmund assistant coach and scout Otto Addo. 

Cameroon were stunned by Ben Slimani's 1st half strike for Algeria as they won 1-0 away from home. Earlier, DR Congo and Morocco had settled for a 1-1 draw in Kinshasa with the home team seeing red card.

Slimani celebrate after scoring for Algeria

Similarly, Mali saw red card for a careless challenge as they lost by a lone goal at home to an in-form Tunisia side.

Away from Africa, European champions Italy were knocked out of the playoffs by a resilient North Macedonia side who secured their first ever world cup slot. Wales were also on fire as Gareth Bale scored a brace to hand them a 2-1 win over  Austria.

Wales celebrate qualification

Otavio and Diogo Jota were on the scoresheet for Portugal who thrashed Turkey 3-1 at home. 

Uruguay became the first South American nation to qualify for Qatar following their 1-0 defeat of Ecuador, a goal scored be Arrascaeta. 

Brazil also qualified after recording an emphatic 4-0 victory over Chile in Rio de Janeiro with Vinicius Jnr scoring his debut goal for the selecao, Coutinho, Neymar Jr and Richarlison were also on the scoresheet.

Joyful mood for the selecao 

Action returns next  week Tuesday as 10 nations in Africa battle for a spot in Qatar November this year, in the 2nd and final leg encounter of the qualifier playoffs.

Stick around for more news and updates 🙏


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