The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers kicked off with several exciting matches across the continent. Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, came from a goal down to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo. George Ilenikhena scored on his Nigeria debut just before half-time to cancel out Ehsan Kari's 16th-minute opener for Madagascar. Moses Usor struck the winner for Nigeria in the second half.
Nigeria's win was one of several results in the opening round of qualifying matches. In another Group L match, Guinea-Bissau started their bid to reach the continent's most prestigious national team tournament with a 2-0 win against co-hosts Tanzania. Franculino and Mama Baldé scored the goals that put Guinea-Bissau top of Group L. Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda will play against the other teams in their pools but are assured of their place in next year's tournament as co-hosts.
Senegal, under new coach Patrick Vieira, drew 1-1 with Mozambique in Maputo. Vieira, born in Dakar, Senegal, replaced Pape Thiaw as head coach during the summer. Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring for Senegal in the 33rd minute, but Geny Catamo levelled for Mozambique on the stroke of half-time. Despite dominating possession, Senegal could not force the winner.
In other Group I matches, Sudan edged past Ethiopia 1-0. Egypt and Angola played out a goalless draw in Cairo, while Malawi took initial command of Group B with a 2-1 win over South Sudan. Morocco, awarded the 2025 Cup of Nations after organisers ruled Senegal had flouted competition rules, began their Group A campaign with a 2-0 win over Gabon in Rabat.
Noussair Mazraoui scored his third goal for Morocco to give them the lead at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat. Soufiane Rahimi secured the three points six minutes from time. In Group A's other game, Niger dispatched Lesotho 2-1. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place between 19 June and 17 July in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya.
Coach Eric Chelle attributed the pressure of coaching Nigeria to being "on another level". The Nigerian team's next match is against Guinea-Bissau. Under competition rules, only one other side in the three groups featuring Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda will advance to the 24-team tournament.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will continue with several matches in the coming weeks. The top two teams from each of the nine groups, excluding the groups featuring the co-hosts, will progress to the tournament. Senegal's football federation is contesting the decision to strip the team of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Key points
- Nigeria beat Madagascar 2-1 in their 2027 AFCON qualifier
- Senegal drew 1-1 with Mozambique on Vieira's debut
- Morocco started their campaign with a 2-0 win over Gabon
