CAPE TOWN - Senegal, Morocco, and Ivory Coast all registered important wins in recent international friendlies as World Cup preparations heat up.
Senegal defeated Gambia 3-1 in Dakar, bouncing back from their controversial Africa Cup of Nations win. Goals came from Abdoulaye Seck, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Lamine Camara, with Omar Colley scoring an own goal.
Morocco beat Paraguay 2-1 in Lens, France. Bilal El Khannouss and Neil El Aynaoui scored for the Atlas Lions, handed the AFCON title after Senegal’s disqualification.
Ivory Coast edged Scotland 1-0 thanks to a 12th-minute strike by Nicolas Pepe at Everton's new stadium.
Egypt drew 0-0 with Spain, bolstering confidence despite being reduced to ten men. Algeria also held Uruguay to a goalless draw in Turin.
South Africa suffered a 2-1 loss to Panama, dampening optimism ahead of their opener against Mexico on June 11.