2027 AFCON qualifiers: all Thursday's results and scorers

Eight matches launched the 2027 AFCON qualifiers on Thursday, with several notable results

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2027 AFCON qualifiers: all Thursday's results and scorers

The first round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers began this Thursday with eight matches played across the African continent.

The 2027 AFCON qualifiers officially got underway this Thursday, September 24, with eight matches on the schedule. Several major national teams made a strong start, including DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, while Tunisia were held by Uganda.

DR Congo and Mauritania make perfect starts

Namibia opened the first round with a narrow 1-0 win over Congo thanks to Bethuel Muzeu. A few hours later, DR Congo defeated Equatorial Guinea 2-0 through goals from Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa. Sébastien Desabre had called for a victory before this opening match, and his players delivered.

Mauritania also made a winning start, defeating the Central African Republic 3-1. Aboubakary Koita, Dawda Camara and Mamadou Diallo scored for the Mourabitounes, while Goduine Koyalipou scored the Central African Republic’s only goal.

Libya snatch a draw, Zimbabwe come from behind against Sierra Leone

The most spectacular scenario among the 16:00 GMT matches unfolded in Tripoli. Trailing 2-0 after a brace from Tumisang Orebonye, Libya came back in the final minutes through Maruwan Alhibeeshi and then Ezoo El Mariamy from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

In Freetown, Zimbabwe produced an even more impressive comeback. Trailing 2-0 after goals from Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie, the Warriors eventually won 3-2 thanks to a brace from Marshall Munetsi and a goal by Tawanda Chirewa.

Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon win, Tunisia held

For Hervé Renard’s return to the Côte d’Ivoire bench, the Elephants defeated Ghana 2-0. Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring before Franck Kessié doubled the lead in the second half.

Cameroon also began with a victory, beating Comoros 3-1. David Ningo, Bryan Mbeumo and Danny Namaso scored for the Indomitable Lions, while Warmed Omari pulled one back. Finally, Tunisia were held to a 1-1 draw by Uganda: Adem Arous scored for the Carthage Eagles before Rogers Mato equalised.

Thursday, September 24 results and scorers

Namibia 1-0 Congo - Bethuel Muzeu (47’).

DR Congo 2-0 Equatorial Guinea - Chancel Mbemba (4’), Yoane Wissa (72’).

Mauritania 3-1 Central African Republic - Aboubakary Koita (32’, penalty), Dawda Camara (69’), Mamadou Diallo (89’) / Goduine Koyalipou (48’).

Libya 2-2 Botswana - Maruwan Alhibeeshi (87’), Ezoo El Mariamy (90+6’, penalty) / Tumisang Orebonye (30’, 42’).

Côte d’Ivoire 2-0 Ghana - Malick Yalcouyé (44’), Franck Kessié (58’).

Sierra Leone 2-3 Zimbabwe - Alie Conteh (7’), Sallieu Tarawallie (27’) / Marshall Munetsi (72’, 88’), Tawanda Chirewa (76’).

Cameroon 3-1 Comoros - David Ningo (39’), Bryan Mbeumo (48’), Danny Namaso (81’) / Warmed Omari (51’).

Tunisia 1-1 Uganda - Adem Arous (12’) / Rogers Mato (68’).

The first round will continue on Friday with fourteen matches, including Algeria-Zambia, Morocco-Gabon, Egypt-Angola, Senegal-Mozambique and Mali-Cape Verde.