The 2027 AFCON Qualifiers kicked off on Friday with several thrilling matches. Nigeria's Super Eagles came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1, with George Ilenikhena equalizing before half-time and substitute Moses Usor scoring the winner in the second half. This victory marked a strong start for Nigeria in their qualifying campaign. The Super Eagles recovered from conceding after 16 minutes to claim the win. Ehsan Kari had put Madagascar ahead after being set up by Ryan Ponti.
In another match, Rwanda recorded the biggest victory among the six sides, beating Liberia 3-1. Abeddy Biramahire needed only two minutes to put Rwanda ahead following a pass from Mickels Leroy Jacques. Jacques then turned scorer in the 33rd minute, converting from Gilbert Byiringiro's assist to double Rwanda's advantage. Liberia responded through Sylvanus Nimely five minutes later, but Rwanda restored their two-goal cushion before half-time when Mickels Joy Lance converted a penalty in the 44th minute.
Guinea-Bissau also made a strong start in Group L with a 2-0 victory away to Tanzania. Franculino broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute after being set up by Beto. Tanzania attempted to respond after the interval, but Guinea-Bissau doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Mama Baldé converted from Dalcio's pass. This win marked an impressive away victory for Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania are already assured of their place at PAMOJA 2027 as one of the three co-hosts.
The Gambia opened their Group C campaign with a 2-1 victory over Somalia. Ebrima Colley gave the Scorpions the lead from the penalty spot in the 18th minute, but Somalia remained in the contest and were rewarded when Bilal Njie equalized in the 72nd minute. The Gambia responded 11 minutes later. Muhammed Badamosi, who had been introduced at half-time, scored from Suleiman Camara's pass to restore the Scorpions' advantage and secure all three points.
Malawi began their Group B campaign with a 2-1 victory over South Sudan. Babatunde Adepoju opened the scoring after 20 minutes to give the Flames a half-time advantage. South Sudan responded quickly after the restart as Stephen Joseph Dhata equalized in the 48th minute. The match remained level for only 16 minutes, with Lloyd Njaliwa restoring Malawi's lead in the 64th minute. Callisto Pasuwa's side resisted South Sudan's attempts to find another equalizer and held on for an opening victory.
Togo also collected maximum points after beating Burundi 1-0 in their Group I opener. Dermane Karim scored the only goal in the 17th minute after being supplied by Zuberu Sharani. Burundi made several changes after the interval as they searched for an equalizer, but the Sparrowhawks remained organized defensively. Further adjustments from both teams during the closing stages failed to change the score as Togo held on for all three points.
The results give the winning teams a positive start to their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaigns. Nigeria, Gambia, Rwanda, Malawi, Togo, and Guinea-Bissau will look to build on their momentum in their next matches. The 2027 AFCON Qualifiers will continue with more matches in the coming days. The teams will compete to finish as the highest-ranked non-host nation in their respective groups.
Key points
- Nigeria came from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in their 2027 AFCON Qualifier.
- Rwanda beat Liberia 3-1, with Abeddy Biramahire and Mickels Leroy Jacques scoring in the first half.
- Guinea-Bissau secured a 2-0 away victory against Tanzania, with Franculino and Mama Baldé scoring the goals.
