Key Takeaways
- Morocco won their opening qualifier against Gabon 2-0.
- Senegal drew 1-1 with Mozambique, marking Patrick Vieira's debut as coach.
- Algeria secured a 3-1 victory over Zambia in their Group 'I' match.
Morocco began their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over Gabon in Rabat. Fullback Noussair Mazraoui scored the first goal in the 32nd minute, while substitute striker Soufiane Rahimi added the second late in the game.
In a closely contested match, Senegal were held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique in Maputo, marking Patrick Vieira's debut as Senegal's coach. Nicolas Jackson put Senegal ahead in the 32nd minute, but Geny Catamo equalized for the home side in the 88th minute.
Algeria also secured a victory, defeating Zambia 3-1 in Tizi Ouzou. Jaouen Hadjam opened the scoring for Algeria in the second minute, but Fashion Sakala equalized for Zambia 12 minutes into the second half. Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa scored the winning goals for Algeria in quick succession, settling home nerves.
Nigeria, making their debut in the qualifiers, won 2-1 against Madagascar in Uyo. George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored for Nigeria, while Ehsan Kari gave Madagascar the lead early in the match.
Mali defeated Cape Verde 3-1 in Bamako, with Nene Dorgeles scoring twice. Sudan secured a 1-0 win over Ethiopia in Juba, with Mohammed Eisa scoring in the 86th minute. The match was held due to security concerns in Sudan.
The Gambia won 2-1 against Somalia in a Group 'C' match, with Muhammed Badamossi scoring the winner. In Group 'B', Malawi beat South Sudan 2-1, with Dominic Njaliwa scoring the winning goal.
Togo edged out Burundi 1-0 in Group 'I', with Dermane Karim scoring early in the match. In Kigali, Rwanda beat Liberia 3-1, with the Mickels brothers, Leroy-Jacques and Joy-Lance, scoring two goals each.
The top two teams from each of the 12 groups will advance to next year's Africa Cup of Nations finals, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, except in groups where the hosts are playing, from which one other team will qualify.
