U-23 AFCON Qualifiers: Kenya stun Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon and Mali cruise as Ghana and Algeria suffer defeats

Kenya produced one of the biggest surprises of the TotalEnergies CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2027 Qualifiers with a 2-1 victory over Côte d'Ivoire, while Cameroon and Mali secured commanding away wins in Wednesday's second-round first-leg matches.

Ghana and Algeria suffered surprising defeats against Libya and Eswatini respectively, while Senegal were held to a goalless draw by South Sudan as the race for places in the final qualifying round intensified.

Cameroon defeated Rwanda 3-0 in Kigali, with Mali recording an identical victory against Zimbabwe in Harare, leaving both teams in strong positions ahead of next week's return fixtures.

Kenya claim major victory over Côte d'Ivoire

Kenya's Emerging Stars continued their impressive qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory over Côte d'Ivoire at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium.

After a goalless first half, Henry Omollo gave Kenya the lead in the 65th minute before Oumar Konaté equalised for the visitors nine minutes later.

Andreas Odhiambo restored Kenya's advantage in the 84th minute, securing an important victory for Anthony Kimani's side ahead of Tuesday's return fixture in Abidjan.

The Kenyans, who eliminated Tanzania 5-4 on aggregate in the previous round, are now one positive result away from another significant qualifying achievement. 

Cameroon and Mali take commanding advantages

Cameroon produced one of Wednesday's most impressive performances, defeating Rwanda 3-0 away from home.

Captain Patrick Edzimbii opened the scoring in the 64th minute before Rattensi Nko doubled the advantage in the 87th.

Edzimbii completed his double in stoppage time, putting the Indomitable Lions in a commanding position ahead of the return encounter in Yaoundé. 

Mali were equally impressive against Zimbabwe, with Aboubacar Sidibé opening the scoring in the eighth minute.

Pape Sissoko converted a penalty to double the lead before Seydou Dembélé added a third in the 55th minute, leaving the Young Warriors facing a difficult assignment in Bamako. 

Ten-man Ghana beaten as Algeria suffer upset

Ghana's Black Meteors suffered a 1-0 defeat against Libya in Benghazi after being reduced to ten players.

Defender Dacosta Antwi was dismissed in the second half before Libya scored a late winner, leaving coach Desmond Ofei's side needing to overturn the deficit in Accra on 17 November.

Daniel Adu-Adjei had earlier missed an opportunity to give Ghana the lead. 

Algeria also suffered a surprise defeat, losing 2-1 to Eswatini despite taking a first-half lead through Gaëtan Bakhouche.

The hosts responded with two goals in the 60th and 63rd minutes to secure a memorable comeback victory. 

Senegal frustrated as other teams gain advantages

Senegal were unable to break down South Sudan in Juba, settling for a 0-0 draw despite enjoying periods of attacking dominance.

Aliou Diémé missed a promising first-half opportunity, leaving the tie finely balanced ahead of the return leg in Dakar. 

Elsewhere, Burkina Faso defeated Zambia 1-0, while Guinea secured a valuable 1-0 away victory against Botswana.

Niger have already advanced to the third qualifying round following Equatorial Guinea's withdrawal.

The remaining second-round first legs continue on Thursday and Friday, with the return fixtures scheduled between 15 and 17 November.

TotalEnergies CAF U-23 AFCON Egypt 2027 – Second Round First-Leg Results