Nigeria, Ghana Suffer Defeat in AFCON Qualifiers

Nigeria and Ghana suffered setbacks in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday after losing to Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia respectively.

While Guinea-Bissau defeated the Super Eagles 3-0 in Group L, The Gambia came from two goals down to beat Ghana 4-2 in Group C.

The results left both West African sides under early pressure in their respective groups, while Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia moved to six points from their opening two matches.

Nigeria 0-3 Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria’s hopes of building on their opening-day victory over Madagascar suffered a major setback as Guinea-Bissau recorded a convincing 3-0 win.

Franculino put Guinea-Bissau ahead after 15 minutes before Mama Baldé doubled the advantage midway through the second half.

Álvaro Djaló completed the victory in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The result gave Guinea-Bissau a second consecutive victory after their opening 2-0 away win over co-hosts Tanzania.

Nigeria had started their campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar but failed to produce another recovery against Guinea-Bissau.

With Tanzania automatically assured of a place at the 2027 finals as a co-host, only the highest-placed team among Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Madagascar will join them from Group L.

Ghana 2-4 The Gambia

Ghana also suffered a damaging defeat after surrendering a two-goal lead against The Gambia.

Ernest Nuamah opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 27th minute before Felix Afena-Gyan doubled Ghana’s advantage six minutes later.

The Gambia responded quickly, with Muhammed Badamosi converting a penalty in the 37th minute before Omar Colley equalised five minutes later.

The teams went into the break level at 2-2.

Ebrima Colley then completed The Gambia’s comeback in the 68th minute before scoring again in stoppage time to secure a 4-2 victory.

The Gambia now have six points from two matches after also beating Somalia 2-1 in their opening game.

Ghana, meanwhile, have lost both of their opening qualifiers after previously falling 2-0 away to Côte d’Ivoire.

Rwanda maintain perfect record

Rwanda maintained their perfect start by beating Cape Verde 2-1 away in Group K.

Benchimol gave Cape Verde the lead five minutes before half-time, but Claude Niyomugabo equalised in first-half stoppage time.

Elie Iradukunda Tatou then completed Rwanda’s comeback seven minutes after the restart.

Rwanda had opened their campaign with a 3-1 victory over Liberia and now have six points.

Cape Verde remain without a point after also losing 3-1 to Mali in their opening fixture.

Zambia bounce back

Zambia recovered from their opening-day defeat to Algeria by beating Togo 2-0 in Group I.

Albert Kangwanda put Zambia ahead after only three minutes, converting Fashion Sakala’s assist.

Substitute Eliya Mandanji then sealed the victory in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Zambia now have three points, while Togo remain on three points following their opening victory over Burundi.

Uganda edge Libya

Co-hosts Uganda also recorded their first victory, defeating Libya 1-0 in Group H.

Arnold Vula scored the only goal in first-half stoppage time to give Uganda four points from their opening two matches.

Uganda had started their campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Tunisia.

Libya remain on one point after their opening 2-2 draw with Botswana.

The 48 teams in the qualifiers are divided into 12 groups of four.

The highest-placed non-host nation will qualify from groups containing co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda, with the three hosts already guaranteed places at the 2027 finals.

Author

Toyibat Ajose

Toyibat is a highly motivated Mass Communication major and results-oriented professional with a robust foundation in media, education, and communication. Leveraging years of hands-on experience in journalism, she has honed her ability to craft compelling narratives, conduct thorough research, and deliver accurate and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences.