The CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying group stage began on Thursday, with DR Congo, Mauritania and Libya among the teams in action.
DR Congo opened their Group E campaign with a 2-0 win over Equatorial Guinea. Mauritania also started with three points after beating Central African Republic 3-1 in Group F.
Meanwhile, Libya produced a late comeback to draw 2-2 with Botswana in Group H after falling two goals behind.
DR Congo Make Winning Start
DR Congo controlled much of their 2 0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, with Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa getting on the scoresheet.
The hosts needed only four minutes to break the deadlock. Mbemba rose highest to meet Arthur Masuaku’s corner and headed past Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesús Owono.
Equatorial Guinea tried to respond as the first half progressed. However, DR Congo defended their lead and went into the break ahead.
The visitors created another chance early in the second half when Saúl Coco tested Matthieu Epolo from distance. DR Congo continued to threaten at the other end.
Owono then denied Nathanaël Mbuku with a header as the hosts pushed for a second goal.
DR Congo finally doubled their advantage in the 72nd minute. Wissa collected the ball inside the penalty area before calmly finishing into the bottom corner.
Equatorial Guinea continued to attack late in the match. However, Epolo produced an important save to deny Loren Zúñiga and preserve DR Congo’s clean sheet.
Mauritania also began Group F with a strong result after defeating Central African Republic 3 1.
Aboubakary Koïta gave Mauritania the lead from the penalty spot. Central African Republic then levelled through Goduine Koyalipou.
Mauritania quickly regained control of the contest. Dawda Camara restored their lead before Mamadou Diallo added a third goal.
The result gives Mauritania an early advantage in Group F. Central African Republic will now look to respond in their next qualifying fixture.
Libya left it late to claim a point against Botswana in Group H. The hosts fought back from two goals down to secure a 2 2 draw.
Botswana took control through Tumisang Orebonye, who scored twice to put the visitors in a strong position.
Libya refused to give up and pulled a goal back through Maruwan Alhibeeshi. The goal gave the hosts fresh belief as they searched for an equaliser.
That pressure finally paid off in stoppage time. Libya won a penalty and Ezoo El Mariamy stepped up to convert and complete the comeback.
The draw gives both Libya and Botswana one point from their opening Group H fixture. Libya will take confidence from their late recovery after appearing set for defeat.
The opening round of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers continues across Africa from Thursday to Saturday.
A total of 48 nations are competing for places at the 2027 finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The opening fixtures will set the early pace as teams begin their push for qualification.
