Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon and Benin strengthen AFCON qualification bids
Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon and Benin all claimed important victories on Thursday as Matchday 3 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers produced another evening of drama 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, and Benin continued their impressive form with a 4-1 success against Central African Republic in Abidjan.
Senegal pull clear at top of Group J
Senegal strengthened their position at the top of Group J with a 4-1 victory 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, while Sudan remain on three points and Ethiopia have yet to get off the mark.
In-form striker 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, however, as Boulaye Dia restored their advantage before Ibrahim Mbaye added a third to put the hosts firmly in control.
Pathé Mboup then completed the scoring with a late fourth goal, marking a memorable international debut by finding the net with his first touch.
The result provides Senegal with valuable momentum ahead of Monday's return fixture against Sudan, when they will have an opportunity to strengthen their position at the summit.
Côte d'Ivoire maintain perfect record
Côte d'Ivoire made it three wins from three matches in Group C as they held 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 halftime to give the visitors renewed hope of taking something from the contest.
The Ivorians were forced to work hard to preserve their advantage in the second period but held firm to secure another valuable three points.
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 Gambia in the race for qualification.
Cameroon overpower Namibia in Douala
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 wicked deflection on its way into the net.
Bil Nsongo doubled their advantage in the 29th minute with a more emphatic 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 as they completed a comfortable victory.
Cameroon have now opened a four-point advantage over second-placed Comoros, although the island nation have played one match fewer.
Benin continue impressive run
Benin also strengthened their qualification hopes with an emphatic 4-1 victory over 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 Central African Republic level.
Aloko restored the 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 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.