The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign opened on Thursday with eight Matchday 1 fixtures across the continent. Nigeria prepared to host Madagascar on Friday in Group L.
The Super Eagles will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Kick-off is set for 5pm Nigerian time.
Nigeria share Group L with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania. Tanzania already holds a guaranteed place at the finals. Therefore only the highest-placed side among the other three teams will advance.
Nigeria’s second group match is away to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday. Madagascar will meet Tanzania in their next outing.
Côte d’Ivoire defeated Ghana 2-0. Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié scored the goals.
Cameroon beat Comoros 3-1. David Ningo, Bryan Mbeumo and Danny Namaso found the net for the hosts, while Warmed Omari replied.
DR Congo overcame Equatorial Guinea 2-0 through early and late strikes from Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa.
Mauritania recorded a 3-1 win over Central African Republic. Aboubakary Koita, Dawda Camara and Mamadou Diallo scored, with Goduine Koyalipou replying.
Zimbabwe came from behind to defeat Sierra Leone 3-2. Marshall Munetsi scored twice and Tawanda Chirewa added one, after Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie had given Sierra Leone the lead.
Libya drew 2-2 with Botswana. Tumisang Orebonye scored twice for Botswana before Maruwan Alhibeeshi and Ezoo El Mariamy equalised late.
Tunisia shared a 1-1 draw with Uganda. Adem Arous and Rogers Mato scored. Namibia edged Congo 1-0 through Bethuel Muzeu.
Further matches take place on Friday. These include Morocco against Gabon, Egypt against Angola, Senegal against Mozambique, Algeria against Zambia and Mali against Cape Verde. Tanzania host Guinea-Bissau in Group L before Nigeria’s home clash with Madagascar.
