AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Algeria, Morocco, Mali Start With Wins As Egypt, Burkina Faso Stumble

Algeria and Morocco made winning starts to the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign on Friday, while seven-time champions Egypt were held to a goalless draw by Angola.

Algeria defeated Zambia 3-1, with Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa scoring in the second half to secure a winning start for new coach Brahim Hamdani.

Morocco also claimed maximum points, beating Gabon 2-0 through goals from Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi.

In another Group B encounter, Egypt struggled to break down Angola’s resilient defence as both sides settled for a point.

Algeria rally to beat Zambia

Algeria made a flying start when Jaouen Hadjam opened the scoring after just two minutes.

Zambia recovered from the early setback and were rewarded for their efforts when Fashion Sakala equalised in the 57th minute.

The Desert Foxes responded strongly, with Maza restoring their lead 10 minutes later.

Substitute Hadj Moussa then extended Algeria’s advantage in the 74th minute to complete a 3-1 victory.

The result handed former Algeria international defender Hamdani a winning start in his first match as head coach.

Morocco overcome Gabon

Morocco began their Group A campaign with a 2-0 victory over Gabon.

Mazraoui broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, giving the Atlas Lions a 1-0 lead at half-time.

Gabon attempted to fight back after the restart, but Morocco maintained control and eventually sealed the victory six minutes from time.

Rahimi scored in the 84th minute to secure all three points for the hosts.

The result moved Morocco level on three points with Niger, who defeated Lesotho 2-1 in the other Group A fixture.

Egypt held by Angola

Egypt were unable to find a way past Angola as the two sides played out a 0-0 draw in their Group B opener.

The Pharaohs appeared to have taken the lead in the 21st minute when Mostafa Zico found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Egypt continued to press for an opener, but Angola’s defence stood firm to secure a valuable away point.

The draw means both sides begin their qualifying campaign with a point apiece.

Dorgeles double inspires Mali

Mali opened their Group K campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Cape Verde.

Martial Tia put Mali ahead after just five minutes, but Cape Verde responded almost immediately, with Lopes Cabral equalising five minutes later.

Dorgeles restored Mali’s lead in the 39th minute before adding his second six minutes into the second half.

The forward’s brace gave Mali a two-goal cushion, which they protected comfortably to claim maximum points.

Burkina Faso, Benin share points

Burkina Faso and Benin settled for a 1-1 draw in their opening Group F fixture.

Lassina Traoré gave Burkina Faso the lead from the penalty spot in the 20th minute.

Benin responded after the interval, with Aiyegun Tosin converting a penalty in the 68th minute to level the scores.

Neither side could find a winning goal in the closing stages, leaving both nations with one point from their opening qualifier.