The 57-year-old, who has been in charge of South Africa since 2012, had always strongly denied the claims. He is now free to see out his contract, which is due to end in June
Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure will be out for up to two weeks with a muscle injury picked up in Sunday's defeat by Liverpool.
Borussia Monchengladbach have signed Guinea international Ibrahima Traore from VfB Stuttgart for next season.
Roger Milla has lost his record as the oldest footballer to represent an African national team to 43-year-old Mauritius striker Kersley Appou.
Hosts Mauritania made the most of home advantage and included a number of young players in their side including the England-based left-back Ahmed Ahmedou.
DR Congo goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba believes his new role as a peace ambassador can help unite his country. "Being a peace ambassador is a daily struggle but we must support peace over hostility, especially among the young people." In his efforts to promote peace through football, Kidiaba can at least count on the support of TP Mazembe owner Moise Katumbi.
Ahmedou is confident Mauritania have the players to achieve a good result and make those fans happy.
Ba's finish came just as Chelsea looked to be on the way out after Schurrle and Oscar were both denied by the woodwork - although the London side were helped by a crucial miss from the normally reliable Edinson Cavani minutes before the decisive goal.
Striker Samuel Eto'o could be available for Chelsea when they face Paris-St Germain in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg.
Milla returned to the 1994 FIFA World Cup at the age of 42, being the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup. Cameroon were knocked out in the group stages; however, Milla scored a goal against Russia, setting a record as the oldest goalscorer in a World Cup tournament; a record he set in the previous World Cup edition.
2027 Africa Cup Qualifiers | GROUP I
Algeria vs Zambia 3:1
Algeria Goals
J.Hadjam (2')
I. Maza (67')
Hadji Moussa (74')
Algeria Assists
M. Amoura (2', 67')
I. Maza (74')
Zambia Goal
F. Sakala (57')
Zambia Assist
D. Simukonda (57')
Details
Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
Time: 19:00 GMT
Venue: Stade Hocine Aït Ahmed, Tizi Ouzou
Algeria
Zambia