Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cameroon and Benin recorded important victories in matchday three of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, producing another evening of action across the continent.
Senegal recovered from conceding a first-half equaliser to defeat Sudan 4-1 in their Group J encounter in Dakar, while Côte d’Ivoire maintained their perfect start to the campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over The Gambia.
Cameroon were comfortable 2-0 winners against Namibia in Douala, while Benin continued their impressive form with a 4-1 success against the Central African Republic in Abidjan.
Read Also: AFCON 2027: Chelle confident of Super Eagles’ victory against Tanzania
Senegal top of Group J
Senegal strengthened their position at the top of Group J with a 4-1 win over Sudan, moving to seven points from their opening three matches.
The Teranga Lions are three points ahead of second-placed Mozambique, who have played one game fewer. Sudan remain on three points, while Ethiopia have yet to get off the mark.
Nicolas Jackson gave Senegal the lead just past the half-hour mark, but Mohamed Abuaagla equalised for Sudan shortly before the break to leave the sides level at 1-1.
Senegal showed their experience in the second half, as Boulaye Dia restored their advantage before Ibrahim Mbaye added a third to put the hosts firmly in control.
Pathé Mboup completed the scoring with a late fourth goal, marking a memorable international debut by finding the net with his first touch.
The result gives Senegal valuable momentum ahead of Monday’s return fixture against Sudan, when they will have an opportunity to strengthen their position at the summit.
Ivory Coast maintain perfect record
Ivory Coast made it three wins from three matches in Group C after holding off a determined Gambia side to claim a 2-1 victory in Bouaké.
The Elephants moved to nine points and opened a three-point lead over The Gambia, who suffered their first defeat of the qualifying campaign.
The hosts made a flying start, with Malick Yalcouyé opening the scoring before Elye Wahi doubled their advantage midway through the first half.
However, Gambia captain Musa Barrow pulled a goal back before half-time to give the visitors renewed hope of taking something from the contest.
The result also offered encouragement to Ghana, who defeated Somalia 1-0 earlier on Thursday to register their first victory of the campaign after successive defeats.
Ghana now have three points, keeping them within striking distance of second-placed The Gambia in the race for qualification.
Cameroon overpower Namibia
Cameroon moved to the top of Group G with seven points from three matches after a convincing 2-0 home victory over Namibia.
The Indomitable Lions took control early in Douala, with Saidou Alioum opening the scoring in the 16th minute when his effort took a deflection on its way into the net.
Bil Nsongo doubled their advantage in the 29th minute with a clinical finish, leaving Namibia with a mountain to climb.
The visitors struggled to create clear scoring opportunities against a well-organised Cameroon defence, and the hosts remained in control to complete a comfortable victory.
Benin continue impressive run
Benin also strengthened their qualification hopes with an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Central African Republic in their Group F encounter in Abidjan.
Aiyegun Tosin scored twice for the Cheetahs, while Hassane Imourane and Rodolfo Aloko were also on target as Benin secured their second victory in three qualifying matches.
Imourane gave Benin an early lead before Louis Mafouta brought the Central African Republic level.
Aloko restored Benin’s advantage, and Tosin struck twice to put the result beyond doubt, completing an impressive attacking display from the West African side.
Benin moved to seven points from three matches to take control of Group F, while the Central African Republic remain without a point after three successive defeats.
The two teams meet again on Monday as Benin look to consolidate their position and take another significant step towards securing a place at the continental finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Related News
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
Source: