AFCON results wrap: Cote d'Ivoire, Egypt and South Africa dominate

Cote d'Ivoire thrash Sierra Leone to maintain perfect start

Cote d'Ivoire dominated Sierra Leone with a resounding 4-1 victory in their AFCON 2025 qualifier, maintaining their 100% record. Nicolas Pepe gave the Elephants a dream start, scoring just two minutes in at the Laurent Pokou Stadium. However, Sierra Leone responded in the 38th minute through Alhassan Koroma, bringing the game level at half-time.

Cote d'Ivoire regained the lead early in the second half when Franck Kessie struck in the 51st minute after an assist from Seko Fofana. Kessie added a second goal in the 75th minute before Oumar Diakite converted a late penalty, sealing all three points. With nine points from three games, Cote d'Ivoire are in firm control of Group G, moving closer to securing their place in Morocco.

Comoros stun Tunisia with historic win

Comoros secured their first victory of the AFCON qualifiers, defeating Tunisia 1-0 in a shock result at the Rades Olympic Stadium. Tunisia dominated possession, controlling over 70% of the ball and creating multiple chances, but their inability to break down Comoros' stubborn defence proved costly.

Rafiki Said scored the only goal of the game in the 63rd minute, with a right-footed effort that handed Tunisia their first home loss in over a decade during AFCON qualifying. The result was a massive boost for Comoros, as they claimed their first win of the campaign, while Tunisia's unbeaten run came to a surprising halt.

Senegal Cruise to Victory Against 10-Man Malawi

Senegal eased past Malawi with a commanding 4-0 win, capitalising on the early dismissal of Malawi's goalkeeper Brighton Munthali, who was sent off for a foul on Sadio Mane. The Lions of Teranga dominated from there, with Pape Gueye opening the scoring in the 35th minute.

Sadio Mane added Senegal's second in the 69th minute, netting his 45th international goal, before Boulaya Dia scored just two minutes later. Nicolas Jackson completed the rout in the 77th minute with his first goal for Senegal. The win keeps Senegal at the top of their group as they continue their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign.

Mali Edge Guinea-Bissau in Tight Contest

Mali scraped past Guinea-Bissau with a narrow 1-0 victory in their qualifier, with El Bilal Toure scoring the decisive goal in the 62nd minute. The Eagles struggled to break down a well-organised Guinea-Bissau side but eventually found a breakthrough to secure all three points. This win keeps Mali well-positioned in their group as they push for qualification.

Angola Strengthen AFCON Bid with Win Over Niger

Angola bolstered their chances of reaching AFCON 2025 with a solid 2-0 victory over Niger. Mabululu's 75th-minute penalty opened the scoring, and Milson added a second goal just 10 minutes later to seal the win. Despite Niger's efforts, they failed to create any clear chances, leaving Angola in a strong position in their group.

Equatorial Guinea Hold Off Liberia for Vital Win

Equatorial Guinea edged past Liberia with a narrow 1-0 win in their Group E qualifier, thanks to a first-half penalty from Iban Salvador. The forward coolly converted in the 34th minute after being fouled in the box. Liberia pressed for an equaliser but failed to break down Equatorial Guinea's defence. This win lifted Equatorial Guinea to second place in the group, behind leaders Algeria.

Mozambique and Eswatini Share Points in 1-1 Draw

Mozambique and Eswatini played out a 1-1 draw in their Group I qualifier, with both sides scoring in the second half. Stanley Ratifo put Mozambique ahead in the 73rd minute, but Eswatini equalised seven minutes later through Thubelihle Mavuso. Both teams had chances to win late on, but the draw leaves Mozambique at the top of the group.

Algeria Extend Lead with 5-1 Win Over Togo

Algeria cemented their lead in Group E with a commanding 5-1 win over Togo. Despite going behind early to Thibault Klidje's 11th-minute strike, Algeria responded with five unanswered goals. A brace from Said Benrahma, along with strikes from Houssem Aouar, Amine Gouiri, and Mohamed Amoura, secured the dominant victory for the north African giants.

Burkina Faso Come From Behind to Beat Burundi

Burkina Faso fought back to claim a 4-1 victory over Burundi, despite falling behind to an early Bienvenue Kanakimana goal. Dango Ouattara's double and debut strikes from Sacha Banse and Issoufou Dayo completed the turnaround, as Burkina Faso kept their qualification hopes alive with a commanding win in Abidjan.

Cameroon Dominate Kenya in 4-1 Win

Cameroon moved to the top of Group J with a 4-1 demolition of Kenya. Veteran forward Vincent Aboubakar opened the scoring with an early penalty, and goals from Martin Hongla, Bryan Mbeumo, and Christian Bassogog completed the rout. Cameroon's convincing victory solidified their place at the summit of their group.

South Africa Thrash Congo 5-0 as Mokoena Shines

Teboho Mokoena starred in South Africa's 5-0 thrashing of Congo, scoring twice in a clinical display. Mokoena's header and long-range strike set the tone, while goals from Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Foster, and Iqraam Rayners sealed the emphatic win. The result sees Bafana Bafana tied with Uganda in the race for Group K's top spot.

READ: Augustine Eguavoen labels Ademola Lookman a 'world-class' talent

All Friday's results:

Equatorial Guinea 1-0 Liberia

Mozambique 1-1 Eswatini

Zambia 0-0 Chad

Madagascar 1-1 Gambia

Cameroon 4-1 Kenya

Nigeria 1-0 Libya

Uganda 1-0 South Sudan

Egypt 2-0 Mauritania

Benin 3-0 Rwanda

South Africa 5-0 Congo

Senegal 4-0 Malawi

Mali 1-0 Guinea-Bissau

Angola 2-0 Niger

Gabon 0-0 Lesotho

Tunisia 0-1 Comoros

Ivory Coast 4-1 Sierra Leone