The Super Eagles of Nigeria claimed a nervy 1-0 victory over the Mediterranean Knights of Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Friday night on Matchday 3 of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The three-time African champions scored in the 87th minute as substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted a chance created by Moses Simon to break a stubborn Libya defence. The win ensures Super Eagles maintain the top spot in Group D with 7 points from three games while the Mediterranean Knights sit bottom with a point.
In other Group D encounter, an early goal by striker Steve Mounie at Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, set the tone for a 3-0 victory for the Cheetahs of Benin Republic over the Amavubi of Rwanda. Mounie scored his 19th goal for his country as Andréas Hountondji and Hassane Imourane also hit the target. The Gernot Rohr ‘s men occupy the second position on the log with 6 points while the Amavubi are third with 2 points.
In the same vein, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa feasted on Republic of Congo by 5-0 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, equaling their second-largest win ever. Goals from Teboho Mokoena (brace), Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Foster, and Iqraam Rayners ensured the win. A victory over Congo in Brazzaville on Tuesday would see South Africa qualify for AFCON 2025. This is the same situation for Group K opponents, Uganda as a solitary strike by Bevis Mugabi helped them edged South Sudan at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole in Kampala.
A Rafiki Said’s goal was all Comoros needed to ensure Tunisia was beaten at home for the first time since 2010 in the AFCON qualifiers, despite dominating with 15 goal attempts. However, the Carthage Eagles still lead Group A with six points from three games, closely followed by Comoros with five points. In the other group game, enterprising winger Yakuba Minteh scored in the 97th minute for Gambia to cancel out Madagascar lead and ensured spoils were shared. The two teams have 2 points each so far.
Former African player of the year award winner, Mohamed Salah helped Egypt maintain their perfect record in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers with a 2-0 home victory over Mauritania. Salah scored after Trezeguet’s opener at the Cairo International Stadium, breaking a 70-minute deadlock. This win puts Egypt 6 points clear at the top of Group C at the halfway point of the qualifiers.
Mohammed Salah (Right) jubilates after scoring for Egypt against Mauritania in Cairo at the AFCON 2025 qualifiers on October 11, 2024. Photo: Mohamed Hossam/EPA/Profimedia
Elsewhere, Africa champions, Ivory Coast cruised to a 4-1 victory over Sierra Leone in San Pedro, with Franck Kessie scoring twice, though he also missed a penalty. Nicolas Pepe also added a goal as the Elephants made it three wins from three. Zambia, managed by Israel’s Avram Grant, was held to a surprising 0-0 draw at home by lowly rated Chad, leaving them second in their group with just 4 points from nine.
Nicolas Jackson scored his first goal for the Teranga Lions, as Senegal thrashed 10-man Malawi 4-0 in Diamniadio. Pape Gueye, Boulaye Dia and legend Sadio Mane were also on the score sheet for the lions. Senegal and Burkina Faso have 7 points each, positioning themselves as strong favourites to qualify from Group L.
Another lions roared, as Cameroon comfortably tore Kenya apart with a 4-1 scoreline. Bryan Mbeumo carried his Brentford form to the international stage, as he scored alongside Vincent Aboubakar (penalty), Martin Hongla (his first international goal), and Christian Bassogog. The Indomitable lions presently top Group J with 7 points while visitors, Kenya are third with 4 points.
In other matches played on Friday, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Mali all recorded wins, while Gabon played an unimpressive barren draw with Lesotho. Mozambique also failed to beat Eswatini as it finished 1-1 at Estadio do Zimpeto.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the 24-team finals in Morocco next year.
