2018 world cup qualifier
Japan equalise with last kick to draw with Mali in World Cup warmup
Nakajima was unmarked at the back post to finish, as Japan were rewarded for their relentless attacking after falling behind just before the interval.
South Africa started the brighter of the two sides, creating plenty of scoring opportunities through the pace of Sundowns duo, Percy Tau and Sibusiso Vilakazi.
The match was also the tear-jerking end to the career of their 39-year-old goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon.
The map of teams that have qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, with the number of teams in each region taking part in the qualifying rounds.
Celebrations in Brussels to mark Morocco’s return to soccer’s World Cup finals for the first time in two decades turned violent when crowds clashed with police.
Stuart Baxter is facing the biggest match of his current tenure when South Africa host Senegal in Polokwane on Friday night.
Bottom placed South Africa could yet come from behind and snatch top place in Group D if they win both matches against Senegal.
The Leicester City forward, who turns 31 in January, got off to a late start with the national team after making his debut at 28 and has 17 caps.
Thulani Serero snubbed a national call-up, citing that he will not honour the call-up if he is not guaranteed being in the starting line-up.
The uncapped Cork, 28, has played every minute of Burnley’s Premier League campaign this season having joined the club from Swansea City in the close season.
Bafana Bafana need to win both games against Senegal to gain qualification for the World Cup in Russia next year.
Itumeleng Khune fractured his cheek bone in Kaizer Chiefs' 1-0 Telkom Knockout victory over Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
South Africa lie bottom of Group D with four points and must beat Senegal in both games if they wish to book their ticket to Russia next year.
Messi had not been at his best in Argentina’s stuttering campaign and failed to score in their previous three drawn qualifiers.
Map of national teams that have qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, along with the overall number of teams taking part in the qualifying round, broken down by regional confederations.
The Liverpool striker’s two goals put Egypt four points clear with one match left in the preliminary campaign.
Colombia were on top throughout and Radamel Falcao’s 78th minute goal appeared to have cemented their place in Russia.
Nigeria, Egypt and Tunisia could all book their spots at next year’s World Cup in the penultimate round of African qualifiers at the weekend.
Bafana Bafana's chances of competing at the World Cup in Russia next year have been handed a major blow after back-to-back defeats to Cape Verde.