Morocco and Senegal are only just about one victory in the final phase of the Africa World Cup qualification after taking leading positions with their victories in their qualifying groups on Saturday.
Morocco defeated Guinea Bissau 3-0 in Casablanca and thus gained a five-point lead in Group I.
Sadio Mane was one of the goalscorers when Senegal beat their closest rivals Namibia 4-1 in Group H.
But the anticipated battle for supremacy in Group G remained tense at halftime after South Africa beat Ethiopia won away and kept one point ahead of Ghana, who celebrated their home win against Zimbabwe.
Only the group winners from each of the 10 African groups will advance to the playoffs in March, in which the five African representatives for Qatar 2022 will be decided.
A horror mistake by Ethiopia’s goalkeeper Fasil Gebremichael led him to Tebogo Mokoena’s free kick slipped through his hands and gave South Africa the lead at halftime.
Although the home side equalized shortly after the break, South Africa scored two goals in the last 20 minutes through Mothobi Mvala and Evidence Makgopa, advancing to seven points.
Ghana, having returned with Milovan Rajevac as coach, was again in full strength for the game against Zimbabwe on Cape Coast and raged with goals from Mohammed Kudus, Thomas Partey and captain Andre Ayew to triumph 3-1.
Ayoub El Kaabi scored two goals and Aymen Barkok scored the second for Morocco, who played a second game in three days and paused some of their key players against Guinea Bissau.
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