The third day of the AFCON 2023 qualifications continued this Thursday, March 23. As in soccer, there is always a dose of surprise, South Sudan confirmed it by beating Congo. The Central African Republic also hit hard by winning in Antananarivo against Madagascar.
Algeria suffers but wins
The Fennecs of Algeria have pushed until the end to defeat Niger. The Djamel Belmadi were delivered by star Riyad Mahrez in the 88th minute. However, the Algerians were led at the break on a sublime goal by Daniel Sosah (38th). But after the break, the Fennecs have real intentions to fold the match. Abdel Rahim Bonkano Alhassane under pressure from Baghdad Bounedjah, scored an own goal (54th). Mahrez then took charge of giving the victory to his team who remain leaders of group F with 9 points out of 9 possible after 3 days of qualification for the CAN 2023.
Gabon ensures the minimum service
Gabon was not brilliant at home against Sudan, this Thursday, March 23. But, we will remember the victory of the Panthers. The only goal of the match was scored by Lloyd Palun. We played the 72nd minute. With this success, Gabon takes the lead in Group I with 7 points. Sudan is 3rd with 3 units.
📹 HIGHLIGHTS: 🇬🇦 1-0 🇸🇩
Lloyd Palun scored the only goal of the game as Gabon edged past Sudan in group I in the #TotalEnergiesAFCONQ2023 @SFA1936 | @Fegafoot_gabon pic.twitter.com/rRyjVSE0Pt
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 23, 2023
The Chipolopolo without worry in front of Lesotho
While waiting for the game between Ivory Coast and Comoros, Zambia has done a good business by winning against Lesotho (3-1). Surprised in the first half, the striker Bereng opened the score (33rd) and put a cold shower on the Zambians. But the response was violent. Thanks to Sakala (37th) and a double of Banda (53rd and 57th), the Chipolopolo take the victory and thus the place of leader provisionally with 6 points in front of Ivory Coast (4 pts) and Comoros (3 pts). As for Lesotho (1 pt), they close the march after the 3rd day of the qualifications for the CAN 2023.
Ghana wins at the buzzer
Angola had almost succeeded in its game plan against Ghana. The Palancas Negras resisted until the 96th minute. Before giving up on a goal by Antoine Semenyo. With this success, Ghana consolidates its position as leader of group E with 7 points. It is followed by its victim of the day (4 points). Central African Republic, which surprised Madagascar (1 point) at home, climbs to the third place (4 points).
FOOTBALL DRAMA AT ITS FINEST 😍
🇬🇭 Ghana scored a late late winner to claim the 3 points against Angola 🌟 #TotalEnergiesAFCONQ2023 | @GhanaBlackstars pic.twitter.com/XPj1lhxCrA
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 23, 2023
Drama in Brazzaville!
This is the big surprise for the moment of the 3rd day of the qualifiers. Congo Brazzaville was beaten by the modest selection of South Sudan which has however experienced a very difficult preparation. The South Sudanese even joined Brazzaville on the eve of the game. But this did not prevent them from creating a surprise. Peter Chol opened the score for the visitors in the 65th minute. Congo came back on level terms thanks to Thievy Bifouma's penalty (91st). Despite the numerical disadvantage, South Sudan managed to snatch the victory in the 96th minute. Tito Okello was there. South Sudan is now in second place in the group with 3 points behind Mali (6 points) who will face Gambia (3rd points). Congo is now the bottom of the group but with 3 points.
#TotalEnergiesAFCONQ2023 delivers again 🤩
🇸🇸 Tito Okello with the strike in the 96th minute to win it for South Sudan against Congo 🔝 pic.twitter.com/93UhEf4hc3
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 23, 2023
Central African Republic wins in Madagascar
We had to wait until the third day of the AFCON 2023 qualifications to see the Central African Republic sign its first victory. On the road in Madagascar, the Fauves have won a convincing victory (3-0). Much more realistic and inspired, they took advantage of the opening goal of Isaac Ngoma (36th) to take the lead. Louis Mafouta (45th) will give them even more of a lead just before halftime, before the striker signs a double at the end of the second half (79th). Thanks to this victory, Raoul Savoy's men have now 4 points in this group E.
