AFCON 2027 qualifiers: 10 talking points from matchday one

Matchday One of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers featured a range of strong starts, dramatic comebacks and surprise results across Africa. Nigeria, Morocco, Côte d'Ivoire, Algeria, Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau all began their campaigns with victories, while Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe and Sudan also recorded notable wins.

Nigeria fought back from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1, with George Ilenikhena equalising in first-half stoppage time before Moses Usor completed the comeback in the 65th minute. Guinea-Bissau stunned co-host Tanzania with a 2-0 win, with Franculino Djú and Mama Baldé scoring. Zimbabwe completed a dramatic comeback by beating Sierra Leone 3-2, with Marshall Munetsi scoring the winning goal in the 88th minute.

Egypt played to a goalless draw against Angola in Cairo, with the latter holding on for a valuable away point. Senegal's Patrick Vieira's first competitive match ended in a 1-1 draw against Mozambique. Côte d'Ivoire began Hervé Renard's second spell in charge with a 2-0 victory over Ghana, with Malick Yalcouyé and Franck Kessié scoring.

Morocco and Algeria both secured wins, with Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi scoring for Morocco and Jaouen Hadjam, Ibrahim Maza and substitute Anis Hadj Moussa finding the net for Algeria.

Cameroon defeated Comoros 3-1, with David Ningo and Bryan Mbeumo putting the Lions ahead before Danny Namaso restored the lead. Morocco, Algeria and Cameroon all scored three goals, while Rwanda and Mali each recorded 3-1 victories in Group K. South Africa began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea, with Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini scoring. Kenya and Eritrea drew 1-1 in the other Group D fixture.