Nigeria and Ghana suffer shock defeats in AFCON 2027 qualifiers
Nigeria and Ghana suffered major defeats in AFCON 2027 qualifying, while several of Africa’s other leading teams secured victories in a busy round of matches.
Ghana surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 4-2 at home to The Gambia. Nigeria, meanwhile, suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau.
Al Jazeera, citing Reuters, reported that Egypt, Morocco and Senegal all secured away victories, while Algeria recovered from two goals down to draw with Burundi.
Ghana collapse against The Gambia
Ghana appeared to be in control after Ernest Nuamah and Felix Afena-Gyan gave the Black Stars a 2-0 lead after 33 minutes in Accra.
The Gambia then produced a dramatic comeback.
Muhammed Badamosi scored from the penalty spot before Omar Colley equalised. Substitute Ebrima Colley then scored twice to complete a 4-2 victory.
The result increased pressure on Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz after his side also lost away to Ivory Coast in their opening Group C qualifier.
Nigeria suffer 3-0 defeat in Guinea-Bissau
Nigeria also endured a difficult night in AFCON 2027 qualifying.
Despite starting seven Premier League players, Nigeria lost 3-0 away to Guinea-Bissau.
Franculino Dju opened the scoring in the first half.
Captain Mama Balde doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage in the 66th minute before Alvaro Djalo scored a third in stoppage time.
Nigeria reached the semifinals of the previous Africa Cup of Nations but were comprehensively outplayed in Tuesday’s qualifier, according to the Reuters report.
Algeria fight back against Burundi
Algeria avoided defeat after falling two goals behind against Burundi within the opening 12 minutes.
Mohamed Belloumi and Adil Boulbina scored as Algeria recovered to secure a 2-2 draw in Bujumbura.
Cape Verde also suffered a surprise result.
Rwanda came from behind to secure a 2-1 victory in Praia, leaving Cape Verde without a point from their opening two Group K matches.
Mali, meanwhile, defeated Liberia 1-0 away in the same group.
Egypt and Morocco secure away victories
Egypt recorded one of the biggest wins of the round with a 5-0 victory over South Sudan in Juba.
Mohamed Salah was rested because of concerns over the artificial playing surface.
Omar Marmoush scored twice, while Mostafa Zico, Ibrahim Adel and teenager Hamza Abdelkarim also found the net.
Morocco secured a 2-0 victory over Lesotho in a match played in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
Brahim Diaz opened the scoring shortly before halftime before Azzedine Ounahi added a second late in the match.
The result put Morocco top of Group A.
Senegal give Vieira first victory
Senegal defeated Ethiopia 1-0 to give new coach Patrick Vieira his first victory in charge.
Ibrahim Mbaye scored the only goal after 11 minutes following a pass from Nicolas Jackson.
Elsewhere, Mozambique beat Sudan 4-1 in Maputo, with Chamito scoring twice.
Cameroon drew 1-1 with Congo in Brazzaville, while Comoros defeated Namibia 1-0.
Zambia secured a 2-0 victory over Togo despite the match being interrupted for about 20 minutes by a power failure.
Benin defeated Mauritania 2-1, while Uganda recorded a 1-0 home victory over Libya.
The results came during a round of 17 AFCON 2027 qualifying matches as teams compete for places at the tournament in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.