Comoros pulled off a stunning 1-0 victory over Tunisia on Friday, ending the Carthage Eagles’ 16-match home winning streak in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The match, held in Rades, saw French second-tier forward Rafiki Said score the decisive goal midway through the second half, propelling Comoros to second place in Group A, just one point behind Tunisia at the campaign’s halfway point.
Comoros, a small island nation off Africa’s southeast coast, have a history of producing upsets, including a memorable win against Ghana that secured them a spot in the second round of the 2022 AFCON. Despite being ranked 82 places below Tunisia, the team defied expectations to secure this crucial away victory. Due to the lack of an international-standard stadium in Moroni, Comoros will host Tunisia for their next match in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Tuesday.
Elsewhere, Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo scored key goals for their respective countries. Salah helped Egypt secure a 2-0 win over Mauritania in Cairo, netting his goal 10 minutes after Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan’s opener. The win maintains Egypt’s perfect record in Group C, placing them well ahead of Cape Verde, Botswana, and Mauritania, who all have three points.
Mbeumo, who has been in excellent form for Brentford, scored just before half-time as Cameroon secured a 4-1 victory over Kenya in Yaoundé. Vincent Aboubakar, Martin Hongla, and Christian Bassogog added to the scoreline, putting Cameroon at the top of Group J with seven points.
South Africa Thrashes Congo in Record-Equalling Win
South Africa matched a historic 5-0 scoreline, last achieved against Guatemala in a 2010 World Cup warm-up, as they dominated Congo in Gqeberha. Teboho Mokoena, sidelined by Mamelodi Sundowns due to a coaching dispute, showcased his talent by scoring twice—first with a header from a corner and then with a half-volley. Further goals from Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Foster, and substitute Iqraam Rayners sealed the emphatic win.
The match was briefly halted for 18 minutes during the first half when spectators entered the pitch to celebrate goals. Despite the dominant performance, South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos warned that the return match in Brazzaville would be a much tougher challenge. South Africa and Uganda now share the top spot in Group K with seven points each and can secure qualification with wins on Tuesday.
Nigeria and Senegal Secure Vital Wins
Nigeria earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Libya in Uyo, with Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scoring the decisive goal in the 85th minute. The Super Eagles, currently under caretaker coach Augustin Eguavoen, have seven points in Group D, one point ahead of Benin. Injuries to star forward Victor Osimhen made breaking down Libya’s defence a challenge, but Nigeria held firm.
Senegal also impressed, with Sadio Mane and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson contributing to a 4-0 rout of Malawi in Dakar. The match saw Brighton Munthali, Malawi’s goalkeeper, sent off after just 16 minutes, leaving Senegal in command of Group L.