Resilient Kenya hold South Africa as Nigeria, Gabon and Libya pick up wins

South Africa were held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya, while Nigeria, Gabon and Libya recorded important victories as Matchday 3 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers continued on Friday.

Bafana Bafana surrendered a win in front of their home supporters, while Nigeria overcame Tanzania 3-1, Gabon defeated Lesotho 2-0 and Libya claimed an impressive 2-0 away victory over Tunisia.

Elsewhere, Burkina Faso left it late to beat Mauritania 1-0, while Cape Verde got their qualifying campaign back on track with a 4-2 victory over Liberia. 

South Africa surrender lead against Kenya

South Africa and Kenya played out a 2-2 draw in a lively encounter in Soweto, with the visitors scoring a late equaliser to rescue a point.

Bafana Bafana took the lead through a first-half own goal by Amos Wandala before Kenya responded through Michael Olunga, who converted from the penalty spot. The former African champions were well on course to a win after Relebohile Mofokeng’s well struck volley found the roof of the net. However it was not meant to be for the hsots as Ryan Ogam struck in the 90th minute to deny the South Africans all three points.

Nigeria overcome Tanzania to climb Group L standings

Nigeria returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania, moving into second place in Group L.

Alhassan Yusuf gave the Super Eagles an early advantage, but Tanzania responded through Alphonce Msangsa to restore parity.

Nigeria regained the lead shortly after the restart when Tolu Arokodare found the back of the net in the 52nd minute. The striker completed his brace eight minutes later to secure an important victory for the Super Eagles.

The result moves Nigeria into second place, while Tanzania remain at the bottom of the group standings.

Bouanga inspires Gabon victory

Gabon moved level on points with Group A leaders Morocco after recording a 2-0 victory over Lesotho.

Denis Bouanga was the difference between the two sides, scoring both goals to secure valuable three points for the Panthers.

The result keeps Gabon firmly in contention as they look to strengthen their position in the group.

Libya stun Tunisia to move top of Group H

Libya produced an impressive away performance to defeat Tunisia 2-0 and move to the top of Group H.

Ali Yousef Al Musrati opened the scoring in the fourth minute, giving the visitors an early advantage before Hamdou El Houni doubled their lead in the 62nd minute.

The result secures an important victory for Libya, who move above their rivals in the Group H standings.

Burkina Faso leave it late to overcome Mauritania

Burkina Faso secured a valuable 1-0 victory over Mauritania, courtesy of a stoppage-time winner from Elohim Kaboré.

The Stallions appeared set for a share of the points before Kaboré struck in the dying moments to hand his side all three points.

The result sees Burkina Faso move level on points with Group F leaders Benin, keeping the qualification race finely balanced.

Cape Verde claim first qualifying victory

Cape Verde registered their first victory of the qualifying campaign with an entertaining 4-2 win over Liberia.

Ayoni Santos opened the scoring for the hosts before Franklin Nyenetue restored parity for Liberia. Dje Tavares then put Cape Verde back in front, with Dailon Livramento extending their advantage before the interval.

Cape Verde maintained their attacking momentum after the break, with Derensili Fernandes adding another goal in the 90th minute to complete the scoring and seal their first three points of the qualifiers.

The victory provides a timely boost for the island nation as they look to build momentum in the remaining fixtures.