2027 AFCON qualifiers: Tops and flops from the second matchday

28.09.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Zimbabwe

1

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DR Congo

2

While some of the continent's major national teams confirmed their status in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, others continued to disappoint and already find themselves in a difficult situation, like Tunisia, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Botswana. A look back at the best and worst performances of the second matchday of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.

Top – Guinea-Bissau and Gambia's impressive wins

If there are two performances to praise during this second matchday, they are undoubtedly those of Guinea-Bissau and Gambia, who beat Nigeria (3-0) and Ghana (4-2), respectively. Although they were considered less prestigious on the continental stage than their opponents, they proved that there is only one truth: what happens on the pitch.

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The Scorpions' performance is all the more impressive because their victory came away from home against the Black Stars.

Top – DR Congo, Morocco... The teams that are building momentum

Having already won on the first matchday, seven teams followed up with a second victory to maintain a perfect record. Morocco defeated Lesotho (0-2), while Gambia and Côte d'Ivoire beat Ghana (2-4) and Somalia (0-2), respectively.

In Group E, Sébastien Desabre's DR Congo were untroubled against Zimbabwe (1-2). Rwanda and Mali lead Group K after their respective wins over Cape Verde (1-2) and Liberia (0-1). Finally, Guinea-Bissau top Group L with six points after their surprise victory over Nigeria (3-0).

Top – The Lions of Teranga and the Pharaohs revive their campaigns

After their disappointing draw against Mozambique (1-1), Senegal reacted with a narrow 1-0 victory in Ethiopia. It was Patrick Vieira's first win.

Hossam Hassan's men cruised to a 5-0 victory in South Sudan thanks to a brace from Omar Marmoush. Mohamed Salah did not play in the match because of the artificial pitch.

Flop – Tunisia, Nigeria and Ghana disappoint

It was a second match without a win for Mouine Chaâbani's Tunisia. The Carthage Eagles were held to a frustrating 2-2 draw at home by Botswana. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles and the Black Stars suffered heavy defeats on the second matchday.

Flop – Cape Verde, a World Cup team in trouble

Brilliant at the 2026 World Cup, where they notably drew with Spain and Uruguay and reached the round of 16 (before an honourable defeat by Argentina), Cape Verde have been a shadow of themselves in these qualifiers. The Blue Sharks have suffered two defeats against Mali and Rwanda, leaving their qualification hopes slim.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations