AFCON 2027 (Q): Algeria held, Senegal in pain, Ghana and Nigeria surprised

Burundi holds Algeria to a draw

Algeria was unable to follow up after its 3-1 win over Zambia on the first matchday. In Bujumbura, on the artificial pitch, the Fennecs nearly returned home empty-handed. Burundi, after 12 minutes, led 2-0 following goals from Jean-Claude Girumugisha and an own goal by Farès Chaibi. Algeria responded: Mohamed Belloumi pulled one back before the break (30'), and Adil Boulbina equalised in the second half (63').

In Group I, after two matches, Algeria maintains first place with 4 points. Zambia is second with 3 points, Togo third also with 3 points. Burundi holds the fourth and last spot with one point.

Senegal wins away to Ethiopia

Patrick Vieira's first victory as Senegal manager. It was a tough challenge for the Lions before recording this first win in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique on the first day, the Senegalese team, without much brilliance, escaped the Ethiopian trap. Away from home, they won by the narrowest of margins (1-0). Ibrahim Mbaye was the only scorer in the game in the 11th minute.

Senegal top Group J with 4 points, ahead of Mozambique on the same tally. Sudan and Ethiopia are third (3 points) and fourth with zero points, respectively.

Gambia’s heist in Accra against Ghana

Ghana is already struggling. Two matches, two defeats for the Black Stars. Just days after losing in Bouaké against Côte d'Ivoire (2-0), the Black Stars did no better at home this Tuesday in Accra. Facing a strong Gambian side, Ghana lost 4-2. Ebrima Colley was one of the architects of this surprising victory, with a brace.

In Group C, Gambia has made a clean sweep after two rounds. The Scorpions have taken 6 points and are in second place. Côte d'Ivoire, after its 2-0 win over Somalia, is first (6 points), while Somalia and Ghana bring up the rear with zero points each.

Congo forces Cameroon to share the points

A fine result for Congo. Even if the Red Devils may have some regrets. They took a point against Cameroon at the Alphonse Massamba-Debat stadium in Brazzaville after a 1-1 draw. In terms of play, the Congolese team troubled the Indomitable Lions. Claude Le Roy's men started the proceedings in this match. They opened the scoring in the 24th minute through Geltany Bantsiele. They held this slight advantage at halftime. Early in the second half, Cameroon came back into the match thanks to a helping hand from the goalkeeper. In the 53rd minute, goalkeeper Melvin Zinga turned a cross from Nagida into his own net, and Cameroon were level. The score remained unchanged until the final whistle.

After two matches, Cameroon leads Group G with 4 points. Comoros and Namibia are second and third respectively with 3 points each. Congo is fourth with a point.

All TuesdaNigeria sink in Guinea-BissauWinners against Madagascar on matchday one, Nigeria were beaten 3-0 in Bissau. Franculino opened the scoring in the 15th minute before Mama Baldé (66') and Álvaro Djaló, in stoppage time (90+5'), added to the tally. Guinea-Bissau, yet to concede in two games, top Group L with 6 points. Nigeria are second with 3.y’s results

Comoros 1–0 Namibia (Group G)

Lesotho 0–2 Morocco (Group A)

South Sudan 0–5 Egypt (Group B)

Burundi 2–2 Algeria (Group I)

Mozambique 4–1 Sudan (Group J)

Ethiopia 0–1 Senegal (Group J)

Madagascar 1–1 Tanzania (Group L)

Ghana 2–4 Gambia (Group C)

Uganda 1–0 Libya (Group H)

Zambia 2–0 Togo (Group I)

Cape Verde 1–2 Rwanda (Group K)

Guinea-Bissau 3–0 Nigeria (Group L)

Gabon 2–0 Niger (Group A)

Somalia 0–2 Côte d’Ivoire (Group C)

Benin 2–1 Mauritania (Group F)

Congo 1–1 Cameroon (Group G)

Liberia 0–1 Mali (Group K)