TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Ethiopia stun Mozambique as Burundi silence Zambia and Comoros held by Congo

Ethiopia produced a major upset in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers on Friday, securing a dramatic 1-0 away victory over Mozambique, while Burundi struck late to deny Zambia victory in front of a capacity crowd.

Canaan Markneh's 87th-minute winner handed Ethiopia three valuable points in Group J, while Jean Girumugisha's late equaliser earned Burundi a 1-1 draw against Zambia in Group I.

Elsewhere, Comoros and Congo shared the points following a goalless draw in Group G, leaving both sides with work to do in the race for qualification.

Mozambique 0-1 Ethiopia: Markneh strikes late to stun hosts

Ethiopia claimed a crucial victory in their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign after defeating Mozambique 1-0 with a dramatic late goal.

Canaan Markneh emerged as the match-winner, scoring in the 87th minute to secure an important away triumph for the East Africans.

The encounter remained goalless throughout the first half and for much of the second, with neither side able to find the breakthrough.

However, Ethiopia eventually made their opportunity count when Markneh struck three minutes before the end of normal time.

The result represents a major setback for Mozambique, who entered the encounter with four points from their opening two matches and were hoping to strengthen their challenge in Group J.

Ethiopia, meanwhile, have boosted their qualification prospects by collecting three valuable away points.

The two teams will meet again on 17 November, when Mozambique will attempt to avenge the defeat and revive their campaign.

Zambia 1-1 Burundi: Late Girumugisha goal silences capacity crowd

Zambia were denied an important home victory after Burundi scored a late equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw in their Group I qualifier.

Playing before a capacity crowd, the Chipolopolo appeared to be heading for victory when Edward Chilufya opened the scoring in the 65th minute.

The forward finished with a low shot past Burundi goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana following impressive work by Albert Kangwanda, whose assist created the opportunity.

The breakthrough sparked celebrations among the home supporters, with Zambia looking to protect their advantage and collect three crucial points.

However, Burundi refused to surrender and were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Jean Girumugisha found the equaliser.

His late goal silenced the home crowd and ensured the visitors returned with a valuable point.

The result leaves Zambia frustrated after surrendering their lead, while Burundi will take confidence from their determined comeback.

Both sides will meet again on Tuesday, 17 November, with important qualification points still at stake in a competitive Group I.

Comoros 0-0 Congo: Stalemate leaves Group G qualification battle open

Comoros and Congo played out a goalless draw in their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 Group G encounter on Friday, with neither side able to produce the decisive moment required to claim victory.

The contest at the Stade Omnisports de Malouzini in Moroni remained level throughout, despite both teams making changes in an attempt to break the deadlock.

The first half ended without a goal, while the second period also produced no breakthrough.

Comoros entered the fixture seeking to build on their earlier victory over Namibia, having collected three points from their opening two qualifiers.

Congo, meanwhile, were searching for their first victory after losing to Namibia and drawing with Cameroon.

Friday's result takes Comoros to four points from three matches, while Congo move to two points.

Both teams remain in contention, although the draw leaves them needing stronger results in their remaining fixtures.

The return encounter in Brazzaville on 17 November will now carry added importance for their qualification ambitions.