Cote d'Ivoire down Uruguay, Algeria and South Africa share the spoils in thriller

Algeria and South Africa battled to a pulsating 3-3 draw at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers on Tuesday night in the FIFA Series, igniting passion among fans on the final day of the international break.

Yassine Benzia stole the spotlight with a brace for the hosts, finding the net in the 22nd and 70th minutes, while Yassine Brahimi added to the tally in the 53rd minute. 

However, South Africa's resilient response, spearheaded by Themba Zwane's strikes in the 34th and 45+5 minutes, alongside Ikram Reiners' goal in the 66th minute, ensured an electrifying deadlock that thrilled the spectators.

Meanwhile in another FIFA Series game, Egypt lost 4-2 Croatia in Cairo with Rami Rabia and Mohamed Abdel Moneim scoring for the Pharaohs.

Elsewhere, the Marrakech Stadium witnessed a fierce duel between Uganda and Ghana, culminating in a captivating 2-2 draw.

Jerome Opoku and Jordan Ayew struck early for the Black Stars, countered by Stephen Mukwala's penalty and Mohamed Shaaban's late equalizer for Uganda, leaving fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.In France, Senegal clinched a narrow 1-0 victory over Benin, with Sadio Mane converting a crucial penalty in the 59th minute to secure the win.

Meanwhile, reigning African champions Côte d'Ivoire continued their impressive form, overcoming Uruguay 2-1 in Lens, France, courtesy of goals from Matías Oliveira and Guilla Doy.

However, it was disappointment for Nigeria as they succumbed to a 2-0 defeat against Mali in Marrakech, with Bilal Toure and Kamouri Doumbia finding the net for the victorious Malian Eagles.

In other fixtures, Burkina Faso drew 1-1 against Niger, Morocco played out a goalless stalemate with Mauritania, and Togo settled for a 1-1 draw against Libya.

The enthralling array of friendly matches showcased the competitive spirit and talent across the African footballing landscape, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next round of matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Results of African friendlies on Tuesday 26th March

Algeria 3-3 South Africa
Egypt 2-4 Croatia
Burkina Faso 1-1 Niger
Morocco 0-0 Mauritania
Togo 1-1 Libya
Uganda 2-2 Ghana
Senegal 1-0 Benin
Côte d'Ivoire 2 -1 Uruguay
Mali 2-0 Nigeria