Algeria, Egypt and Morocco all strengthened their bids to reach the 2026 Fifa World Cup but Sudan’s unlikely challenge for a place at the finals suffered a setback as the sixth round of qualifying was completed on Tuesday.

Sudan, forced to play all their home games on neutral turf while civil war continues in the country, conceded a 98th-minute equaliser against South Sudan and slipped to third in Group B.

DR Congo lead the table after their 2-0 win in Mauritania, with the Leopards a point ahead of Senegal and the Sudanese.

Egypt restored their five-point advantage at the head of Group A with a 1-0 win against Sierra Leone while Algeria moved three points clear in Group G as Mohamed Amoura bagged a hat-trick in their 5-1 triumph over closest challengers Mozambique.

Morocco have a commanding nine-point cushion after beating Tanzania 2-0 – but the standings in Group E may be affected if Congo-Brazzaville’s suspension from international football is not lifted.

Only the nine group winners will qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament next year, with the four best second-placed sides playing off for a spot at an intercontinental tournament which will decide the final spots at the World Cup.

Nigeria are in danger of missing out on a ticket to the United States, Mexico and Canada after drawing 1-1 at home against Zimbabwe, leaving the Super Eagles six points adrift of Group C leaders South Africa.

The final four rounds of group fixtures will be spread across September and October, with African play-offs scheduled for November.