AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Highlights from the first matchday

The first matchday of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers had exciting starts, surprising comebacks, and unexpected results all over Africa.

The AFCON 2027 qualifiers’ Matchday One games took place from September 24 to 26.

The Confederation of African Football reported on Sunday that big teams like Nigeria, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, and Cameroon all kicked off their campaigns with wins. Guinea-Bissau, Zimbabwe, and Sudan also made a mark with their impressive victories.

Here are 10 highlights from Matchday One:

1. Nigeria fights back against Madagascar
The Super Eagles came back to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in Group L.

Ehsan Kari put Madagascar in the lead in the 16th minute. But George Ilenikhena equalised during first-half stoppage time. Substitute Moses Usor finished Nigeria’s comeback in the 65th minute.

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

2. Guinea-Bissau stuns co-hosts Tanzania
Guinea-Bissau delivered one of the biggest surprises by beating Tanzania 2-0 away.

Franculino Djú scored the first goal in the 33rd minute. Mama Baldé doubled the lead in the 58th minute.

As co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, Tanzania is already qualified. This means Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Madagascar are fighting for the last qualifying spot in Group L.

3. Zimbabwe completes dramatic comeback
Zimbabwe had a thrilling comeback after going two goals down to beat Sierra Leone 3-2.

Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie gave Sierra Leone a 2-0 lead. Marshall Munetsi responded with a goal in the 72nd minute. Tawanda Chirewa equalised just four minutes later.

Munetsi scored again in the 88th minute to seal the comeback.

4. Egypt held at home by Angola
Egypt, the record seven-time African champions, were held to a goalless draw by Angola in Cairo.

Egypt thought they took the lead with a goal from Mostafa Zico in the 21st minute, but it was ruled offside.

Angola managed to secure a valuable away point.

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

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

Neither team could score again in the second half.

6. Côte d’Ivoire starts strong under Renard
Côte d’Ivoire kicked off Hervé Renard’s second term with a 2-0 win over Ghana in Bouaké.

Malick Yalcouyé scored the first goal in the 44th minute. Franck Kessié added a penalty in the 58th minute.

The Elephants now have three points, joining The Gambia at the top of Group C.

7. Morocco and Algeria shine
Morocco began their Group A campaign with a 2-0 win over Gabon. Algeria won 3-1 against Zambia in Group I.

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

8. Cameroon and Mauritania score three
Cameroon won 3-1 against Comoros, starting strong in Group G.

David Ningo and Bryan Mbeumo scored two goals for the Indomitable Lions. Warmed Omari pulled one back for Comoros, but Danny Namaso restored Cameroon’s two-goal lead in the 81st minute.

Mauritania also won 3-1, beating the Central African Republic in Group F.

9. Rwanda and Mali start with 3-1 wins
Rwanda and Mali both won 3-1 in Group K.

Rwanda defeated Liberia, while Mali took down Cape Verde, with Nene Dorgeles scoring twice for the Eagles.

Both teams now have three points after their opening matches.

10. South Africa leads Group D
South Africa started their campaign with a 2-1 win over Guinea in Pitso Mosimane’s first match back.

Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scored for Bafana Bafana. Seydouba Cisse briefly equalised for Guinea.

In the other Group D match, Kenya and Eritrea ended in a 1-1 draw. This puts South Africa on top of the group with three points.

Kenya, being one of the three co-hosts, is already secured a place in the finals. Only the highest-ranked non-host nation in Group D will qualify.

The second round of matches will start on September 28. Some teams that dropped points will be eager to bounce back.