AFCON: Africa’s big boys begin AFCON 2027 qualifiers with win

Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon all made winning starts to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign as the opening matchday produced several dramatic results across the continent. 

The first round of fixtures was played between September 24 and 26, with Guinea-Bissau, Zimbabwe and Sudan also recording notable victories.

The Super Eagles had to come from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in Group L. 

Ehsan Kari gave Madagascar the lead in the 16th minute, but George Ilenikhena equalized in first-half stoppage time before substitute Moses Usor completed Nigeria’s comeback in the 65th minute. Nigeria now have three points, level with Guinea-Bissau ahead of their meeting on Tuesday.

Guinea-Bissau produced one of the biggest surprises of the opening round by defeating Tanzania 2-0 away from home. 

Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé scored for the visitors, while Zimbabwe staged a remarkable comeback from two goals down to beat Sierra Leone 3-2, with Marshall Munetsi scoring twice, including the winning goal in the 88th minute.

Elsewhere, Egypt were held to a goalless draw at home by Angola after Mostafa Zico’s goal was ruled out for offside. 

Senegal also dropped points in Patrick Vieira’s first competitive match in charge, drawing 1-1 with Mozambique. Côte d’Ivoire, meanwhile, began Hervé Renard’s second spell as coach with a 2-0 win over Ghana in Bouaké.

Morocco defeated Gabon 2-0 in Group A, while Algeria beat Zambia 3-1 in Group I. Cameroon also secured a 3-1 victory over Comoros, with Mauritania recording the same scoreline against the Central African Republic. Rwanda and Mali both won 3-1, against Liberia and Cape Verde respectively.

South Africa completed the list of notable winners with a 2-1 victory over Guinea in Group D, giving Pitso Mosimane a winning start in his return as coach. Kenya and Eritrea drew 1-1 in the other group fixture. 

The second round of qualifiers is scheduled to begin on September 28, with teams that dropped points in the opening matches seeking to recover quickly.