Nigeria & Algeria off to perfect starts in AFCON qualifiers

Nigeria overcame an early scare to see off Madagascar 2-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Having finished third-place at the last AFCON finals in Morocco, the Super Eagles began their journey towards another continental excursion as the Islanders looked to cause an upset and make a bright start to their qualifying campaign.

It was not the best of starts for the Super Eagles, who fell behind in the opening-quarter of the contest when Ehsan Kari beat the offside trap to head past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The Super Eagles trailed for the better part of the first half but stood firm and ultimately levelled matters on the stroke of halftime through a composed finish by George Ilenikhena.

That reprieve became the catalyst to victory for the might of the Super Eagles and got over the line after Moses Usor beat two challengers to finish from a tight angle.

Morocco overcome Gabon

Morocco started their qualifying campaign in Group A with a 2-0 win over Gabon at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Friday evening.

It started in the desired fashion for the Atlas Lions and raced ahead after Manchester United defender Noussair Mazraoui lashed in the bottom-corner from outside the area early in the first half.

The North African giants made sure of the victory late on when Soufiane Rahimi came in at the near post of the area and fired into the net.

Algeria off to winning start

Algeria got the better of Zambia 3-1 and claimed top spot of Group I in their opening qualifier at the Stade Hocine Ait Ahmed.

The Desert Foxes hit the front in the opening seconds of the match through a powerful finish from Jaouem Hadjam, but Chipolopolo rallied back early in the second half courtesy of Fashion Sakala.

Chipolopolo remained second best as the North African giants grabbed full control with goals from Ibrahim Maza and Hadji Moussa.

Angola hold Egypt

Egypt were denied a winning start in their qualifying campaign after playing to a goalless draw with Angola in Group B at the Cairo International Stadium.

With the draw, the Pharaohs lie third in the group with the Palancas Negras in second-place as both teams have a point apiece with South Sudan up next for Egypt on the road.

The Palancas Negras will host current leaders of the group Malawi who overcame South Sudan in their opener in the group’s other encounter earlier in the day.

Niger edge Lesotho

Niger started their campaign towards the continent’s football festival on a positive note and overcame Lesotho 2-1 in Group A at the Stade Pere-Jego in Casablanca.

In the battle of the minnows, the host showed the initiative and registered a two-goal cushion at the course of the interval courtesy of Daniel Sosah and Oumar Sako with Likoena on the back-foot.

Not all was lost for Likoena who staged a fight back albeit late on through a penalty by former Bloemfontein Celtic and Golden Arrows striker Motebang Sera but no further drama unfolded as Niger secured an opening day victory.