Nigeria Secures Important 3-1 Victory Against Tanzania in Afcon Qualifiers
Tolu Arokodare emerged as a key player as Nigeria enhanced their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a 3-1 victory over tournament co-hosts Tanzania. The match took place at Uyo, and Nigeria now looks to solidify its position in the qualifiers.
While Tanzania has already qualified for the finals, Nigeria is competing for the sole available spot in Group L, especially after suffering a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in September, leaving them with little room for error.
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Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria an early advantage in the second minute, scoring with a composed finish from Ademola Lookman’s pass. However, Tanzania equalized shortly after the half-hour mark through Alphonce Msanga.
Arokodare, who came off the bench at halftime, played a crucial role in restoring Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute, deftly flicking Wilfred Ndidi’s low cross into the net. Just eight minutes later, the Ajax striker, currently on loan from Wolves, extended the Super Eagles’ lead to 3-1. He skillfully controlled a cross from Moses Usor before unleashing a powerful shot from 12 yards.
With three group matches played, Nigeria now sits one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who managed a 1-1 draw against Madagascar on Thursday.
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In other qualifying matches, Tunisia faces a challenging situation as they risk missing out on the finals for the first time since 1992 after suffering a 2-0 home defeat to Libya. Meanwhile, Kenya secured a last-minute equalizer to interrupt South Africa’s perfect start.
On Friday, Ali Maher will lead Egypt for the first time since Hossam Hassan’s departure, as they prepare to host Malawi at 19:00 GMT. Morocco aims to build on their perfect record in Group A with a home clash against Niger at 20:00 GMT.
The third round of qualifying will conclude with three matches on Saturday, while the following fixtures will be spread over Monday and Tuesday.
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Tunisia Downed as McCarthy Frustrates Bafana
Tunisia is currently at the bottom of Group H, with no wins in the tournament so far, after falling to their North African rivals. The Carthage Eagles had previously attended a record 17 consecutive Afcons but now find themselves in a difficult situation.
Controversial refereeing decisions marred their match in Sfax, where Ali Maaloul received a penalty for pulling Muad Eisay’s shirt right before halftime, allowing Ali Youssef to score. Tunisia had a goal disallowed for a marginal offside call later in the match, and three minutes later, a low shot from Hamdou El Houni sealed the 2-0 victory for Libya.
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Libya now rises to second in the group, sharing points with Uganda, while South Africa remains at the top of Group D after a 2-2 draw against Benni McCarthy’s Kenya in Johannesburg. The hosts initially took the lead from an own goal by Amos Wanjala, but Kenya equalized just before the halftime break through a penalty converted by Michael Olunga.
Relebohile Mofokeng briefly put South Africa back in front, but Kenya equalized with a 90th-minute goal from Ryan Ogam.
Elsewhere, Burkina Faso matched Benin for points at the top of Group F following a 94th-minute winner from Elohim Kabore against Mauritania. Cape Verde achieved their first points in Group K with a 4-2 victory over Liberia.
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Ethiopia Upsets Mozambique
Gabon joined Morocco with six points in Group A after defeating Lesotho thanks to two goals from Denis Bouanga in the second half. Bouanga, who initially hit the right post with a penalty, later scored with a header before converting another penalty.
Ethiopia secured their first win by surprising Mozambique in Maputo. Kenean Markneh netted the only goal of the match in the 87th minute after a low shot by Carlos Damtew was mishandled by Mozambique’s goalkeeper Ernan. Ethiopia now has three points but remains at the bottom of Group J, while Mozambique has four points, trailing leaders Senegal.
Zambia leveled with Group I leaders Algeria at four points following a 1-1 draw against Burundi, while in Group G, Comoros settled for a goalless draw against Congo-Brazzaville. Cameroon leads the group with seven points, with Comoros on four.
Friday’s Afcon 2027 Qualifying Results and Fixtures
Comoros 0-0 Congo-Brazzaville (Group G)
Zambia 1-1 Burundi (Group I)
Mozambique 0-1 Ethiopia (Group J)
Cape Verde 4-2 Liberia (Group K)
Gabon 2-0 Lesotho (Group A)
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South Africa 2-2 Kenya (Group D)
Burkina Faso 1-0 Mauritania (Group F)
Tunisia 0-2 Libya (Group H)
Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania (Group L)
Egypt v Malawi (Group B, 19:00 GMT)
Mali v Rwanda (Group K, 19:00 GMT)
Morocco v Niger (Group A, 20:00 GMT)
