African World Cup hopefuls register morale-boosting wins

CAPE TOWN, March 31 : Ivory Coast, Morocco and Senegal were among the African World Cup qualifiers who all won warm-up friendlies on Tuesday, while Egypt had a credible draw against Spain to boost their hopes for the tournament starting in June.

But there was a disappointing home loss for South Africa to Panama just a day after their coach Hugo Broos suggested they could be a surprise package at the World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

Senegal played their first match at home since their disputed Africa Cup of Nations final success in January and beat neighbours Gambia 3-1 in Dakar to add to Saturday’s 2-0 win over Peru in Paris.

Senegal had a much-changed lineup and had to wait until first-half stoppage time to take the lead through a header from defender Abdoulaye Seck off El Hadji Malick Diouf’s corner.

Teenager Ibrahim Mbaye doubled the lead shortly after the break but Omar Colley pulled a goal back in the 51st minute.

Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara made sure of victory in stoppage time, tucking away the rebound after Bamba Dieng's shot was parried away.

Morocco, who were handed the Africa Cup of Nations title when Senegal were stripped of the crown earlier in March, beat Paraguay 2-1 in Lens, France.

Bilal El Khannouss opened the scoring from Achraf Hakimi’s cross three minutes into the second half before Neil El Aynaoui doubled the score five minutes later. Paraguay netted a late consolation through Gustavo Caballero.

Ivory Coast had the better of Scotland at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium with Nicholas Pepe’s 12th-minute effort proving decisive.

EGYPT CONFIDENCE GETS BOOST

Egypt’s goalless draw with a below-par Spain in Cornella de Llobregat will do their confidence going into the tournament the world of good.

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