Salah Scores Twice as Egypt and Nigeria Win AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Mohamed Salah scored twice as Egypt secured a convincing 5-0 victory over Malawi, while Nigeria boosted their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations with a 3-1 win over co-hosts Tanzania.

Tolu Arokodare scored twice after coming off the bench to help the Super Eagles claim an important victory in Uyo.

Nigeria are competing for the only available qualification spot in Group L, as Tanzania have already secured their place as tournament co-hosts.

The Super Eagles needed a response after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in September.

Alhassan Yusuf gave Nigeria an early advantage in the second minute, calmly converting Ademola Lookman’s pass.

However, Tanzania equalised shortly after the half-hour mark through Alphonce Msanga.

Arokodare was introduced at half-time and restored Nigeria’s lead in the 52nd minute with a clever flick from Wilfred Ndidi’s low delivery.

The forward struck again eight minutes later, controlling Moses Usor’s cross from the left before firing into the net from 12 yards.

The victory leaves Eric Chelle’s side one point behind Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau, who drew 1-1 with Madagascar on Thursday.

Salah and Hakimi shine

Egypt produced an impressive performance in Ali Maher’s first match in charge, defeating Malawi 5-0.

The Pharaohs had parted ways with former coach Hossam Hassan earlier this month, having reached the semi-finals of AFCON 2025 and the last 16 of this year’s FIFA World Cup under his leadership.

Egypt had collected four points from their opening two Group B matches. Salah was substituted after an hour in their goalless draw against Angola before missing the victory over South Sudan.

The former Liverpool forward returned as captain against Malawi as Egypt established a 3-0 lead before half-time.

Nasser Maher, Omar Marmoush and Mohamed Hany were all on the scoresheet.

Salah added the fourth goal with a diving header from a cross on the left before completing the scoring from the penalty spot after Hamza Abdelkarim was brought down inside the box.

The result gives Egypt a three-point advantage over Angola, who are scheduled to face South Sudan on Saturday.

In Group A, Morocco maintained their unbeaten start with a 5-1 victory over Niger in Casablanca.

Yassir Zabiri opened the scoring before Achraf Hakimi doubled Morocco’s advantage with a spectacular long-range effort in the 27th minute.

Mohamed Abdourahmane pulled one back for Niger with a header, while the visitors were awarded a penalty just before half-time following a handball by Noussair Mazraoui.

However, Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved Youssouf Oumarou’s spot-kick.

Hakimi then restored Morocco’s two-goal advantage with a powerful free-kick in first-half stoppage time.

Youssef En-Nesyri scored the fourth in the 77th minute after receiving a pass from Hakimi, before Ayoub Oufkir completed the victory with a close-range finish in the final minute.

Earlier in Group A, Gabon defeated Lesotho 2-0 to move to six points.

LAFC forward Denis Bouanga missed an initial penalty by striking the post but opened the scoring with a header a minute later. He then converted a second penalty to secure the victory.

Tunisia suffer defeat as Kenya frustrate South Africa

Tunisia’s hopes of reaching the 2027 tournament are under pressure after a 2-0 home defeat against neighbouring Libya.

The Carthage Eagles have appeared at a record 17 consecutive AFCON tournaments but remain without a win and bottom of Group H.

Libya took the lead just before half-time after Ali Maaloul was penalised for pulling Muad Eisay’s shirt. Ali Youssef converted the resulting penalty.

Tunisia later had a goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision before Hamdou El Houni doubled Libya’s advantage three minutes later.

The victory moves Libya into second place, level on points with Uganda. Libya last appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s perfect start in Group D ended after a dramatic 2-2 draw against Kenya in Johannesburg.

An own goal by Amos Wanjala gave Bafana Bafana an early lead, but Michael Olunga equalised from the penalty spot shortly before half-time.

Relebohile Mofokeng restored South Africa’s advantage with 13 minutes remaining.

However, Kenya secured a point in the 90th minute when Ryan Ogam’s low shot from 20 yards found the bottom corner.

South Africa remain one point ahead of Guinea at the top of Group D.

In Group F, Burkina Faso joined Benin on seven points after Elohim Kabore scored a 94th-minute winner against Mauritania in Ouagadougou.

Mali fight back as Ethiopia claim first win

Mali continued their winning run in Group K with a 3-2 comeback victory over Rwanda in Bamako.

Rwanda took the lead twice, but Mali recovered to secure all three points through Mamadou Camara’s decisive contribution.

The result sends Mali to the top of the group.

Rwanda remain three points ahead of Cape Verde, who recorded their first points of the campaign with a 4-2 victory over Liberia in Praia.

Ethiopia also celebrated their first win after defeating Mozambique 1-0 away from home.

Kenean Markneh scored the only goal in the 87th minute after Mozambique goalkeeper Ernan failed to hold a low effort from Carlos Damtew.

The victory takes Ethiopia to three points, although they remain bottom of Group J behind Sudan on head-to-head record.

Mozambique have four points, three behind group leaders Senegal.

In Group I, Zambia moved level on four points with leaders Algeria after drawing 1-1 at home against Burundi. Algeria have an opportunity to extend their lead when they host Togo on Saturday.

Comoros and Congo-Brazzaville played out a goalless draw in Moroni in Group G.

Cameroon lead the group with seven points, followed by Comoros on four, Namibia on three and Congo-Brazzaville on two.

The third round of AFCON 2027 qualifying matches continues on Saturday, with the fourth round scheduled across Monday and Tuesday.

Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifying results

• Comoros 0-0 Congo-Brazzaville (Group G)
• Zambia 1-1 Burundi (Group I)
• Mozambique 0-1 Ethiopia (Group J)
• Cape Verde 4-2 Liberia (Group K)
• Gabon 2-0 Lesotho (Group A)
• South Africa 2-2 Kenya (Group D)
• Burkina Faso 1-0 Mauritania (Group F)
• Tunisia 0-2 Libya (Group H)
• Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania (Group L)
• Egypt 5-0 Malawi (Group B)
• Mali 3-2 Rwanda (Group K)
• Morocco 5-1 Niger (Group A)