CAN 2027 qualifiers: Ivory Coast continues, Nigeria surprised by Guinea-Bissau

• Guinea-Bissau impresses against Nigeria

Would Guinea-Bissau be the surprise of these first two days of the qualifiers? Already victorious against Tanzania (2-0), they did it again today against Nigeria (2-0), yet one of the most feared teams on the continent.

The Lycaons dominated the Super Eagles against all expectations, displaying much more impact in the game than Eric Chelle’s men while being buoyed by the decisive interventions in front of the goal from their goalkeeper Fernando Embadje. Leading at half-time after Franculino’s opening score (15th, 1-0), the Bissao-Guineans continued to push against unrecognizable Nigerians. And it paid off: Mama Baldé (66th, 2-0) and Alvaro Djalo (90th +5, 3-0) came to drive the point home to make the spectators at the September 24 stadium in Bissau exult with joy. A great achievement for the Guinea-Bissau selection, which takes the lead in its group before the start of the third day.

Also readCAN 2027 qualifiers: schedule and results of days 1 and 2

• Ghana overthrown by Gambia

The Black Stars still can’t do it. Already beaten by Ivory Coast a few days ago, the Ghanaians were this time surprised on home soil by modest Gambia (2-4). The Scorpions signed a real offensive festival in Accra – carried by Omar Colley (42nd) and his cousin Ebrima Colley, author of a double (68th, 90th +1) – with only 26% of possession and while Ghana nevertheless led 2-0 shortly after the half hour of play. A much more surprising defeat than that inflicted by the Ivorians, and which relegated Carlos Queiroz’s players to last place in their group without any points on the clock. The Black Stars are off to a bad start in these qualifiers.

Also readCAN 2027 qualifiers: 1st success for Senegal de Vieira, Algeria trapped by Burundi

• Ivory Coast cracks Somalia

Ivory Coast had a good entry operation by dominating Ghana (2-0), it was much less successful this evening against Somalia. The Elephants dominated the match but also largely lacked success and precision (23 shots attempted, 6 on target), with a first period marked in particular by the blunders of Franck Kessié and Malick Yalcouyé or the free kick of Nicolas Pépé which ended on the bar of the Somali goalkeeper.

Elye Wahi thought he could break the deadlock by taking a nice pass from his captain Franck Kessié in the area, but his goal was canceled for an obvious offside position (56th). Hervé Renard’s players came very close to a first disappointment in these qualifiers against the Somalis, before finally being delivered by a shot from Yann Gboho at the end of the match (89th, 0-1) and a goal from Bazoumana Touré (90th +5, 0-2). Even if it took a long time to emerge, it is a new success for the French coach.

• Cameroon neutralized by Congo-Brazzaville

Serious against the Comoros in the opening (3-1), Cameroon was less visible against Congo-Brazzaville this Tuesday (1-1). The Red Devils even opened the scoring thanks to Geltany Bantsiele (24th, 1-0), before conceding the equalizer with an own goal from Melvin Zinga (53rd, 1-1). The Indomitable Lions suffered a setback but retained their place as leaders (4 points) thanks to Comoros’ victory against Namibia earlier (1-0).

• Gabon rebounds against Niger

Gabon bounced back and finally launched its qualifying campaign, after its defeat in the shock against Morocco (0-2) on the first day. Held in check during the first period, the Panthers finally took the lead after the break thanks to goals from Rody Effaghe (53rd, 1-0) and Denis Bouanga (77th, 2-0). The Gabonese are relaunching and currently occupy second place in their group behind Morocco, solid leader.

• Mali and Benin are repositioning themselves

Mali scored a second victory in a row by beating Liberia with a minimal score (1-0) this Tuesday, after having dominated Cape Verde (3-1) previously. It was a goal from Martial Tia (79th, 0-1) which allowed the Eagles to win and return to second place in the group tied with Rwanda, leader (6 points).

A successful evening also for Benin, who won against Mauritania (2-1) and pocketed their first success after the very good draw obtained against Burkina Faso (1-1) on the first day. Rodolfo Aloko’s double (31st, 46th) allows the Beninese to return to first place in the group alongside Burkina Faso (4 points).