The opening round of Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying continued on Friday with 14 matches producing plenty of goals, narrow victories and a number of early talking points.
Nigeria were among the teams to make a winning start, while Morocco, Algeria, Mali and Rwanda also collected three points. Senegal and Egypt, however, were forced to settle for draws.
Here are five things we learned from Friday’s action.
1. Nigeria showed character to come from behind
Nigeria began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar, but the Super Eagles had to recover after falling behind.
Madagascar took the lead before Nigeria levelled before half-time. The Super Eagles then completed the comeback in the second half to secure all three points.
It was an important start for Nigeria, who will want to build on the result when the qualifying campaign continues.
2. Morocco and Algeria make winning starts
Morocco and Algeria were among the bigger names to begin their campaigns with victories.
Morocco defeated Gabon 2-0, while Algeria recorded a 3-1 victory over Zambia.
Mali also impressed with a 3-1 win over Cape Verde, giving several of the continent’s established sides an early advantage in their respective groups.
3. Senegal and Egypt drop points
Two of Africa’s leading sides were unable to claim maximum points.
Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique after surrendering their lead, while Egypt were frustrated by Angola in a goalless draw.
Both sides therefore have one point from their opening matches and will look to respond in the next round of fixtures.
4. Guinea-Bissau make a strong start
Guinea-Bissau were one of the day’s notable winners after beating Tanzania 2-0.
The victory gives them three points from their opening match and puts them alongside Nigeria at the early top of their group.
With the qualifying campaign still in its early stages, Guinea-Bissau have given themselves a useful platform to build on.
5. Several groups already have early leaders
Friday’s results have given a number of teams an early advantage.
Morocco and Niger both began with victories in Group A, while Malawi took three points from their opening match in Group B.
Algeria and Togo won in Group I, Sudan claimed victory in Group J, and Mali and Rwanda both started Group K with wins.
In Group L, Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau both opened with victories, setting up an interesting battle as the qualifying campaign moves into its next round.
The opening matches have provided an early glimpse of the teams hoping to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, but with the qualifying campaign still at its beginning, there is plenty of time for the picture to change.
