South Africa have made the strongest possible start to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign, winning both of their opening matches as several COSAFA nations position themselves for a place at the tournament.
Mozambique have also impressed during the first two rounds, while Zambia, Zimbabwe and other regional sides remain in contention. The second matchday is not yet complete, with Angola due to host Malawi in Luanda on Tuesday.
South Africa are the only COSAFA nation to have collected the maximum six points so far. They began their campaign with a 2-1 home win against Guinea before producing an even more convincing performance against Eritrea, securing a 5-0 victory in Cairo.
The results have put Pitso Mosimane’s team at the top of Group D and in a strong position to claim the qualification place available to them. Kenya, one of the tournament’s co-hosts, already have a guaranteed place at the finals, leaving the remaining qualification spot in the group as the main target for the other teams.
Mozambique are also among the early pace-setters after an impressive opening to a challenging Group J campaign.
The Mambas began by earning a 1-1 draw away to Senegal, before following that result with a 4-1 home victory over Sudan. Mozambique and Senegal both have four points, but Mozambique currently lead the group because of their superior goal difference.
Zimbabwe also produced one of the most notable results of the opening round. The Warriors recovered from two goals behind to beat Sierra Leone 3-2 away from home, but their momentum was checked in the next match when they suffered a 2-1 home defeat by DR Congo.
That leaves Zimbabwe on three points, with DR Congo three points clear at the summit of Group E.
There is a similarly close contest in Group G, where Namibia and Comoros have three points apiece. Namibia began with a 1-0 home victory against Congo but were beaten 1-0 by Comoros in their next match. Comoros had themselves suffered a difficult opening, losing 3-1 in Cameroon.
Zambia responded positively after a heavy opening defeat in Algeria. A 3-1 loss against the group leaders was followed by a 2-0 home victory over Togo, putting Zambia second in Group I, just one point behind Algeria.
Botswana are yet to lose in Group H after drawing their first two matches 2-2 against Libya and Tunisia. The Zebras have two points, while Uganda, as a co-host, have already secured their place at the finals. That leaves Botswana, Tunisia and Libya competing for the remaining qualification position.
Madagascar have taken one point from their first two Group L matches. They lost 2-1 away to Nigeria before drawing 1-1 at home against co-hosts Tanzania.
Like South Africa and Botswana, Madagascar are in a group where one nation has automatic qualification as a host. Their route to PAMOJA 2027 therefore depends on finishing as the leading non-host side.
Lesotho have had a more challenging beginning to their Group A campaign. They were defeated 2-1 away by Niger and then lost 2-0 at home to Morocco, leaving them without a point after the opening two fixtures.
Group B will receive further attention on Tuesday when Angola welcome Malawi to Luanda. Malawi began with a 2-1 victory over South Sudan, while Angola earned an encouraging 0-0 draw away to Egypt in their opening match.
The outcome could significantly alter the group standings. A win for Malawi would move the side to six points and send them to the top of Group B. Angola, meanwhile, would move level with Egypt on four points if they secure all three points at home.
The Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign will continue in November with Matchdays Three and Four. The final two rounds are scheduled for March 2027, when the remaining places at PAMOJA 2027 will be decided.
