WeeklySA_AdminMATCH DAY ONE: The Warriors overturned a two-goal deficit in Sierra Leone, Guinea-Bissau stunned co-hosts Tanzania, and Egypt and Senegal dropped points as the race for the 2027 finals began…
By WSAM Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe supplied the drama of the opening round of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, scoring three times in the final 18 minutes to beat Sierra Leone 3-2 away from home.
Trailing 2-0 after goals from Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie, the Warriors appeared headed for defeat. Marshall Munetsi pulled one back in the 72nd minute, Tawanda Chirewa equalised four minutes later, and Munetsi struck again in the 88th minute to complete a remarkable turnaround.
Guinea-Bissau delivered another of the round’s defining results with a 2-0 win away to Tanzania. Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé scored against the 2027 co-hosts, putting Guinea-Bissau ahead of Nigeria on goal difference in Group L. Nigeria also had to recover from a goal down, beating Madagascar 2-1.
Elsewhere, several of the continent’s established powers made winning starts. Morocco beat Gabon 2-0, Côte d’Ivoire defeated Ghana by the same score, Cameroon overcame Comoros 3-1 and Algeria beat Zambia 3-1. Rwanda and Mali each scored three goals in their Group K victories, while DR Congo, Namibia, Sudan and Togo also took maximum points.
There were early frustrations for Egypt and Senegal. Egypt were held 0-0 at home by Angola after a first-half goal was ruled out for offside. Senegal drew 1-1 with Mozambique in Patrick Vieira’s first competitive match as coach: Nicolas Jackson put the Lions of Teranga ahead, but Geny Catamo equalised before half-time. Sudan’s late 1-0 win over Ethiopia consequently put them top of Group J.Côte d’Ivoire’s victory over Ghana gave Hervé Renard a strong start to his second spell in charge. Newcomer Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring before Franck Kessié converted a second-half penalty.
The Gambia joined the Elephants on three points after edging Somalia 2-1.
South Africa’s Group D campaign was still to begin at the time of the supplied round-up, with Bafana Bafana due to host Guinea on Saturday.
The group carries added pressure for both sides: Kenya have an automatic place at the finals as co-hosts, leaving South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea competing for the group’s other qualifying berth.
The early leaders have little time to savour their results. The next round begins on Sunday, giving those who dropped points an immediate chance to respond and the opening-day winners an opportunity to strengthen their position.
