In a stunning turn of events, former African champions Ghana, Nigeria, and Cape Verde were beaten in their respective qualifying matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Ghana, led by two goals, lost 4-2 to Gambia in Accra, with Ebrima Colley scoring twice for the visitors in Group C. This result has left Ghana in a precarious position, especially after their opening match loss away to the Ivory Coast.
Nigeria's woes continued as they were thrashed 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau, a team ranked 106 places lower in the world rankings, in Group L. Guinea-Bissau's Franculino Dju opened the scoring after 15 minutes, followed by Mama Balde's goal on 66 minutes. The Super Eagles, missing injured star Victor Osimhen, failed to mount a comeback and were further humiliated by Alvaro Djalo's late goal.
Cape Verde, who impressed in the World Cup, were outplayed at home by Rwanda in Group K, surrendering a lead to lose 2-1. Benchimol had given Cape Verde the lead, but Rwanda levelled through Claude Niyomugabo and took the lead with Elie Tatou's goal seven minutes after halftime. This result has put Cape Verde's qualification hopes in jeopardy.
Not all top teams struggled, however. Algeria, two-time winners of the African national team competition, came from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw with Burundi in Group I. In other matches, Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt secured away wins against Lesotho, Ethiopia, and South Sudan, respectively. Morocco won 2-0, Senegal 1-0, and Egypt cruised to a 5-0 victory despite resting captain Mohamed Salah.
Gambia's victory over Ghana was a revelation, with Mohamed Badamosi and Omar Colley drawing the Scorpions level by halftime. Ebrima Colley's two second-half goals sealed the win, leaving Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz with concerns ahead of their November clashes with Somalia. Ghana failed to qualify for the last AFCON and currently sit last in Group C.
Senegal's win in Ethiopia via an Ibrahim Mbaye goal gave Patrick Vieira his first victory as coach, following a draw in Mozambique last week. The win marked a positive start for the French 1998 World Cup winner. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast secured a late 2-0 win over Somalia in Group C, with Yann Gboho and Bazoumana Toure scoring in added time.
The results have left Ghana, Nigeria, and Cape Verde with an uphill task to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The next set of matches will be crucial for these teams as they look to revive their qualification hopes. The 2027 AFCON qualifiers continue to produce surprises, with several top teams struggling to secure wins.
Key points
- Ghana, Nigeria, and Cape Verde suffered shocking defeats in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
- Algeria came from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw with Burundi.
- Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt secured away wins in their respective qualifying matches.
