Tunisia’s dismal run continued with a 2-0 home defeat by Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday, while Mohamed Salah became Egypt’s record scorer in their 5-0 rout of Malawi.
There were key wins for Cape Verde and Nigeria, who had made disappointing starts to the 2027 qualifying campaign, but there were also frustrating home draws for past winners South Africa and Zambia.
Salah scored twice late on to take his international tally to 70 and surpass former captain Hossam Hassan’s record. New coach Ali Maher began his tenure with a comprehensive victory in Cairo that put Egypt top of Group B.
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Tunisia were the only one of Africa’s 10 teams at this year’s World Cup to exit following the group stage, and they fired coach Sabri Lamouchi after their opening defeat.
Their woes continued against neighbours Libya on Friday as they lost 2-0 in Sfax to a penalty from Ali Youssef on the stroke of halftime and a 62nd minute effort from Hamdou El Houni.
The defeat left Tunisia with two points at the halfway stage of their Group H campaign and in danger of missing next year’s finals, which would end their record run of 17 successive appearances. Coach Mouin Chaabani’s short reign is also under threat.
Cape Verde, who thrilled the neutrals with their run to the second round at the World Cup, had lost their opening qualifiers in September but were back to winning ways on Friday with a 4-2 home triumph over Liberia, with debutant Derensili Sanches Fernandes from Huddersfield Town among the scorers.
Nigeria made multiple changes to their line-up after a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in their last outing two months ago and bounced back with giant striker Tolu Arokodare scoring twice in their 3-1 win over Tanzania.
Came from behind
Defender Jean Girumugisha scored seven minutes from time for tiny Burundi to draw 1-1 away at Zambia in Group I, while Ryan Ogam’s 90th-minute strike saw Kenya hold South Africa 2-2 in Johannesburg in Group D.
Mali came from behind to beat Rwanda 3-2 in Bamako and win a third match in Group K and move within one win of a place in the finals. Mamadou Camara snatched their late winner.
African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi scored twice as Morocco beat Niger 5-1 in Casablanca to maintain their perfect start in Group A and move closer to qualification.
There are three more matches on Saturday to complete the third round of the group qualifiers, which marks the halfway mark of the campaign.
The fourth round of group fixtures is on Monday and Tuesday, and the last two rounds are in March. The 2027 finals are to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19-July 17.
Source: Khaleej Times