AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Togo overcome Burundi with 1-0 win to take early Group I lead

Togo made a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Burundi at Stade de Kégué in Lomé on Friday.

Dermane Karim scored the only goal of the Group I encounter in the 17th minute, with Sharani Zuberu providing the assist.

Karim gives Togo early advantage

Togo took control of the match when Karim found the breakthrough after 17 minutes.

The forward finished from Zuberu’s assist to give the hosts a 1-0 lead, which they managed to protect for the remainder of the game.

Burundi were unable to find an equaliser as Togo held on to secure three points from their opening qualifier.

Togo move top of Group I

The victory puts Togo temporarily at the top of the Group I standings with three points.

Their position could change when Algeria face Zambia in the other Group I fixture at 7 pm.

The result gives Togo an early advantage as the race for qualification for the 2027 AFCON in Africa gets under way.