Other Competitions
International Roundup: CAF and AFC qualifiers
AFC: Ryan in goal for Socceroos, Al-Tamaari scores for Jordan
In the wake of Ligue 1's McDonald's Japanese stars sealing their place in the 2026 World Cup, there were plenty of other stars in action in Asia's Qualifying campaign, led by RC Lens goalkeeper Mathew Ryan, whose Australia side beat Indonesia 5-1. It marked the 97th appearance by Ryan, the team captain for his country -- only Tim Cahill and Mark Schwarzer have more. With the win, Australia remain second ahead of their trip to China next week.
It was not, however, also a winning start to the international break for South Korea and Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-In. Coming off the bench, the midfielder saw his team take the lead over Oman at the break, but concede an equalizer ten minutes before time. There was better luck for Stade Rennais' Jordanian winger Musa Al-Tamaari, though -- he was included from the off and was one of three players to find the net before the break in a 3-1 victory over Palestine.
CAF: Allevinah, Babicka star for Gabon and more
In CAF, Gabon went top of their group as they notched a vital win over the Seychelles with the involvement of several Ligue 1 McDonald's players -- Jim Allevinah (Angers SCO) scored for the hosts, while Shavy Babicka (Toulouse FC) led the line. In Libya Olympique Lyonnais defender Clinton Mata and Angola earned a one-all draw after a late equalizer, while Lens striker M'Bala Nzola didn't feature for the Palancas Negras in a result that leaves both sides outside the playoff places. Finally, a Mali side many of its regulars won at the Comoros, 3-0 with Kamoury Doumbia (Stade Brestois) netting a brace in eight second-half minutes. With the result, the Eagles move back to within two points of top spot in their qualifying group.
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