2023 AFCON qualifiers: Nigeria, Cape Verde, Mali all qualify

Cape Verde 3-1 Burkina Faso

Cape Verde asserted their dominance with a convincing 3-1 win over Burkina Faso at Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde.

Bebe's 7th-minute goal ignited the crowd, while the Islanders controlled the game. Burkina Faso struggled to create chances, with Tapsoba missing an opportunity.

Dayo scored for Burkina Faso before halftime, but Cape Verde regained control. Traore's injury weakened Burkina Faso, and Fernandes restored Cape Verde's lead.

Andrade sealed the victory with a late goal. Cape Verde's win secures their place in the upcoming tournament.

Congo 0-2 Mali

Mali secured their qualification for AFCON with a 2-0 victory over Congo.

After a goalless first half, Mali showcased an impressive performance in the second half.

Ibrahima Kone broke the deadlock, and the introduction of Nene Dorgeles proved decisive as he scored just minutes after coming on.

With a comfortable 2-0 lead, Mali successfully held off Congo's attacks to seal their qualification.

This win marks a significant achievement for Mali, who will now compete in the highly anticipated tournament.

Sierra Leone 2-3 Nigeria

Nigeria secured their qualification with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone.

Victor Osimhen's brace, including a magnificent left-footed strike, propelled him to the top of the scorer rankings.

Mustapha Bundu and Augustus Kargbo scored for Sierra Leone, leveling the score at 2-2.

However, Kelechi Iheanacho's crucial goal secured Nigeria's qualification. The result also guarantees qualification for Guinea-Bissau.

Nigeria dominated early on, while Sierra Leone launched relentless attacks in the second half, making for an intense encounter.

Other results:

Gabon 0-2 DR Congo

Eswatini 0-2 Togo

Uganda 1-2 Algeria

Madagascar 0-0 Ghana

Rwanda 0-2 Mozambique

Tanzania 1-0 Niger