Table of Content
Nigeria boosted their prospects of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a 3-1 victory over co-hosts Tanzania. Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah netted twice to help Egypt secure a dominant 5-0 win against Malawi in the first match under new coach Ali Maher.
Nigeria’s comeback victory
Playing in Uyo, Nigeria took an early lead in the second minute when Alhassan Yusuf converted a pass from Ademola Lookman. Tanzania equalized through Alphonce Msanga shortly after the half-hour mark. Tolu Arokodare, introduced as a half-time substitute, restored the lead for the Super Eagles in the 52nd minute by flicking in a low cross from Wilfred Ndidi. Arokodare added a third goal eight minutes later, controlling a pass from Moses Usor before scoring from 12 yards out.
The win keeps Nigeria in contention for the single qualification spot in Group L. The team currently sits one point behind group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who recently drew 1-1 with Madagascar.
Salah and Hakimi lead the way
Egypt’s victory over Malawi saw the Pharaohs establish a 3-0 lead by half-time with goals from Nasser Maher, Omar Marmoush, and Mohamed Hany. Captain Mohamed Salah added two more in the second half, scoring with a header and a penalty. The result puts Egypt three points clear at the top of Group B.
In Group A, Morocco maintained their unbeaten record with a 5-1 win over Niger. Achraf Hakimi scored twice, including a long-range strike and a free-kick, while Yassine Bounou saved a penalty to keep the Atlas Lions in control. Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub Oufkir also contributed to the scoreline. Elsewhere in Group A, Gabon defeated Lesotho 2-0 following two second-half goals from Denis Bouanga.
Tunisia struggles and other results
Tunisia faces the risk of missing the finals for the first time since 1992 after a 2-0 home defeat to Libya in Group H. A penalty from Ali Youssef and a late strike from Hamdou El Houni secured the win for the visitors, who are now level on points with Uganda. In Group D, South Africa drew 2-2 with Kenya, with Ryan Ogam scoring a 90th-minute equalizer for the visitors after Relebohile Mofokeng had put the hosts ahead.
In other qualifying action, Burkina Faso secured a 1-0 win over Mauritania, and Mali moved to the top of Group K after a 3-2 comeback victory against Rwanda. Cape Verde earned their first points of the campaign with a 4-2 win over Liberia. Ethiopia claimed their first victory by defeating Mozambique 1-0, while Zambia and Burundi played out a 1-1 draw. Comoros and Congo-Brazzaville finished their Group G encounter in a 0-0 stalemate.
The third round of qualifying concludes with three matches on Saturday, with the fourth round of fixtures scheduled across Monday and Tuesday.
