Cameroon held by Congo as Ivory Coast snatch late win in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Cameroon were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo in the second round of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, but the result was enough to keep them top of their group.

Congo took the lead in the 24th minute when Giltany Stalgout Pantsil found the net. Cameroon responded after half-time, with Congo goalkeeper Melvin Zinga inadvertently turning the ball into his own goal to level the match.

The draw leaves Cameroon with four points from their opening two matches. Congo remain fourth in the group on one point.

Ivory Coast claimed a 2-0 away victory over Somalia in another qualifier, although the fixture was played in Accra, the capital of Ghana.

The match remained goalless until the closing stages before Ivory Coast finally made the breakthrough. Coventry City winger Yan Dhobo put his side ahead in the 89th minute.

Newcastle’s young winger Bazoumana Toure then secured the points by scoring a second goal in the fifth minute of added time.

The victory moved Ivory Coast to six points at the top of Group C, level with Gambia.

Somalia remain without a point, alongside Ghana, who have lost both of their matches against Ivory Coast and Gambia.

Elsewhere, Gabon recorded their first win of the qualifying campaign with a 2-0 victory over Niger.

The result came after Gabon began their campaign with defeat by Morocco in the opening round.

Mali also won away from home, beating Liberia 1-0. Valencia and former Al Ahly player Alou Dieng started the match for Mali.

Ivory Coast’s late victory keeps them alongside Gambia at the summit of Group C, while the results involving Cameroon and Congo leave the early standings finely balanced.