AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: First Round Delivers Shocks, Comebacks, and Major Victories

The journey to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations officially commenced with an action-packed Matchday One, spanning from September 24th to 26th. Across the continent, football enthusiasts witnessed a thrilling blend of dominant performances, unexpected upsets, and remarkable turnarounds. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that continental powerhouses like Nigeria, Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, and Cameroon all secured victories to kick off their campaigns. Additionally, nations such as Guinea-Bissau, Zimbabwe, and Sudan registered significant wins. Below are the ten key takeaways from the opening round of fixtures:

1. **Super Eagles' Resilient Comeback:** Nigeria's Super Eagles demonstrated remarkable fighting spirit in Group L, overturning a deficit to defeat Madagascar 2-1. Madagascar initially took the lead in the 16th minute through Ehsan Kari. However, George Ilenikhena brought Nigeria level just before halftime, and substitute Moses Usor sealed the comeback with a decisive goal in the 65th minute. This win places Nigeria on par with Guinea-Bissau with three points, setting the stage for their upcoming clash.

2. **Guinea-Bissau Stuns Co-hosts Tanzania:** In one of the round's most notable upsets, Guinea-Bissau secured an impressive 2-0 away victory against co-hosts Tanzania. Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, with Mama Baldé extending their lead in the 58th. As Tanzania is already guaranteed a spot in the 2027 tournament, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Madagascar are now vying for the sole remaining qualifying position in Group L.

3. **Zimbabwe's Dramatic Turnaround:** Zimbabwe delivered one of Matchday One's most exciting moments, recovering from a two-goal deficit to beat Sierra Leone 3-2. Sierra Leone had established a comfortable 2-0 lead through Alie Conteh and Sallieu Tarawallie. However, Marshall Munetsi initiated the comeback in the 72nd minute, followed by Tawanda Chirewa's equaliser four minutes later. Munetsi then completed his brace and the dramatic turnaround in the 88th minute.

4. **Egypt Held at Home by Angola:** Record seven-time African champions Egypt faced frustration in Cairo, playing out a goalless draw against Angola. Egypt believed they had taken the lead in the 21st minute via Mostafa Zico, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Angola then successfully defended to claim a valuable away point.

5. **Senegal Draws in Vieira’s Debut:** Patrick Vieira's inaugural competitive match as Senegal's coach concluded in a 1-1 draw against Mozambique. Nicolas Jackson put Senegal ahead in the 32nd minute, but Geny Catamo equalised for Mozambique in first-half stoppage time, with neither side finding a winner after the break.

6. **Côte d’Ivoire Kicks Off Renard's Second Stint with a Win:** Côte d’Ivoire began Hervé Renard's second tenure in charge with a 2-0 triumph over Ghana in Bouaké. Malick Yalcouyé netted the opener in the 44th minute, and Franck Kessié converted a penalty in the 58th minute. The Elephants now share the top spot in Group C with The Gambia, both on three points.

7. **Morocco and Algeria Among Big Winners:** Morocco commenced their Group A campaign with a solid 2-0 victory over Gabon, while Algeria defeated Zambia 3-1 in Group I. Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi were on target for Morocco, while Algeria's goals came from Jaouen Hadjam, Ibrahim Maza, and substitute Anis Hadj Moussa.

8. **Cameroon and Mauritania Score Threes:** Cameroon achieved a winning start in Group G, overcoming Comoros 3-1. David Ningo and Bryan Mbeumo gave the Indomitable Lions a two-goal advantage before Warmed Omari pulled one back for Comoros. Danny Namaso then restored Cameroon's two-goal cushion in the 81st minute. Mauritania also found the net three times, beating the Central African Republic 3-1 in Group F.

9. **Rwanda and Mali Start with 3-1 Victories:** Both Rwanda and Mali secured convincing 3-1 wins in Group K. The Amavubi defeated Liberia, while Mali triumphed over Cape Verde, with Nene Dorgeles contributing two goals for the Eagles. These results place both teams on three points after the opening round.

10. **South Africa Takes Early Group D Lead:** South Africa began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea in Pitso Mosimane's first match back at the helm. Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scored for Bafana Bafana, though Seydouba Cisse briefly equalised for Guinea. Kenya and Eritrea drew 1-1 in the other Group D fixture, leaving South Africa at the top with three points. Kenya, as a co-host, is already guaranteed a place, meaning only the highest-ranked non-host nation in Group D will qualify.

The second round of fixtures is slated to begin on September 28th, with several teams that dropped points in their opening matches eager to make an immediate recovery.