AFCON 2027 qualifiers: 10 talking points from matchday one

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The opening matchday of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers produced a mixture of strong starts, dramatic comebacks and surprise results across the continent.

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AFCON 2027 qualifiers’ Matchday One games were played from September 24 to 26.

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According to the Confederation of African Football on Sunday, continental heavyweights Nigeria, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, and Cameroon all began their campaigns with victories, while Guinea-Bissau, Zimbabwe and Sudan also recorded notable wins.

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Here are 10 talking points from Matchday One:

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1. Nigeria fight back against Madagascar

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The Super Eagles came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Group L.

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Ehsan Kari put Madagascar ahead in the 16th minute, but George Ilenikhena equalised in first-half stoppage time before substitute Moses Usor completed Nigeria’s comeback in the 65th minute.

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Nigeria’s victory leaves them level on three points with Guinea-Bissau ahead of their meeting on Tuesday.

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2. Guinea-Bissau stun co-hosts Tanzania

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Guinea-Bissau recorded one of the standout results of the opening round by beating Tanzania 2-0 away.

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Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the 33rd minute before Mama Baldé doubled the advantage in the 58th.

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Tanzania are already qualified for the 2027 tournament as co-hosts, meaning Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Madagascar are competing for the remaining qualifying place in Group L.

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3. Zimbabwe complete dramatic comeback

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Zimbabwe produced one of the most dramatic results of Matchday One after recovering from two goals down to beat Sierra Leone 3-2.

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Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie gave Sierra Leone a 2-0 lead, but Marshall Munetsi pulled one back in the 72nd minute before Tawanda Chirewa equalised four minutes later.

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Munetsi completed the comeback with his second goal in the 88th minute.

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4. Egypt held at home by Angola

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Record seven-time African champions Egypt were frustrated by Angola in Cairo as the two sides played out a goalless draw.

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Egypt thought they had taken the lead through Mostafa Zico in the 21st minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

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Angola subsequently held on for a valuable away point.

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5. Senegal denied victory in Vieira’s first competitive game

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Patrick Vieira’s first competitive match as Senegal coach ended in a 1-1 draw against Mozambique.

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Nicolas Jackson put Senegal ahead in the 32nd minute, but Geny Catamo equalised in first-half stoppage time.

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Neither side could find a winner after the break.

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6. Côte d’Ivoire make winning start under Renard

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Côte d’Ivoire began Hervé Renard’s second spell in charge with a 2-0 victory over Ghana in Bouaké.

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Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring in the 44th minute before Franck Kessié converted a penalty in the 58th minute.

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The Elephants joined The Gambia on three points at the top of Group C.

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7. Morocco and Algeria among big winners

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Morocco opened their Group A campaign with a 2-0 victory over Gabon, while Algeria defeated Zambia 3-1 in Group I.

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Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi scored for Morocco, while Algeria’s goals came from Jaouen Hadjam, Ibrahim Maza and substitute Anis Hadj Moussa.

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8. Cameroon and Mauritania score three

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Cameroon defeated Comoros 3-1 to make a winning start in Group G.

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David Ningo and Bryan Mbeumo put the Indomitable Lions two goals ahead before Warmed Omari pulled one back for Comoros. Danny Namaso restored Cameroon’s two-goal advantage in the 81st minute.

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Mauritania also scored three goals, beating the Central African Republic 3-1 in Group F.

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9. Rwanda and Mali begin with 3-1 wins

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Rwanda and Mali both recorded 3-1 victories in Group K.

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The Amavubi defeated Liberia, while Mali beat Cape Verde, with Nene Dorgeles scoring twice for the Eagles.

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The results put both sides on three points after the opening round.

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10. South Africa take early Group D lead

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South Africa began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea in Pitso Mosimane’s first match back in charge.

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Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scored for Bafana Bafana, while Seydouba Cisse briefly restored parity for Guinea.

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Kenya and Eritrea drew 1-1 in the other Group D fixture, leaving South Africa top of the group with three points.

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Kenya, one of the three co-hosts, are already guaranteed a place at the finals, meaning only the highest-ranked non-host nation in Group D will qualify.

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The second round of fixtures is scheduled to begin on September 28, with several teams that dropped points in their opening matches looking to respond immediately.

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