CAN 2027 qualifiers: Cote d’Ivoire edge Gambia as Senegal, Benin and Cameroon win

Cote d’Ivoire beat Gambia 2-1 in the headline fixture of Thursday’s Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying programme, while Senegal, Benin and Cameroon also secured important victories.

The match in Bouake brought together two sides with perfect records, but Cote d’Ivoire maintained their winning start in a closely contested encounter.

Nicolas Pepe’s quick free-kick caught Gambia off guard and allowed him to set up Malick Yalcouye, who opened the scoring in the 17th minute. Elye Wahi then doubled the lead seven minutes later, finishing after Yan Diomande had won possession with an excellent interception. It was Wahi’s first goal for the national team.

Gambia reduced the deficit before half-time when Musa Barrow finished a move in the 38th minute. Cote d’Ivoire struggled to add to their advantage after the break and were made to withstand sustained pressure from the Scorpions, but held on for a valuable win.

The result gives Cote d’Ivoire a three-point lead at the top of the group. Gambia remain within three points of Ghana, who defeated Somalia 2-0 earlier on Thursday.

Senegal return to Leopold-Sedar-Senghor in style

Senegal marked their return to the Leopold-Sedar-Senghor stadium with a convincing 4-1 victory over Sudan.

Patrick Vieira’s side dominated the opening stages but were wasteful in front of goal, with Iliman Ndiaye hitting the post. They eventually took the lead in the 31st minute when Jackson followed up after the Sudanese goalkeeper had failed to hold Mbaye’s effort.

Sudan levelled just before the interval through Mohamed Abuagla, who took advantage of defensive hesitation to score with the visitors’ first shot of the match.

Senegal responded strongly in the second half. Boulaye Dia restored their lead with a header in the 61st minute, Ibrahim Mbaye added a third three minutes later and Pathe Mboup completed the scoring in the 86th minute on his international debut.

The win puts Senegal provisionally three points clear of Mozambique at the top of the group, although Mozambique face Ethiopia on Friday.

Benin also won 4-1, overcoming Central African Republic in Abidjan. Imourane Hassane opened the scoring after seven minutes and Rodolfo Aloko made it 2-0 in the 31st minute. Louis Mafouta briefly brought Central African Republic back into the game two minutes later, but Tosin Aiyegun restored Benin’s advantage before half-time and struck again in the 56th minute.

Gernot Rohr’s team move provisionally three points clear of Burkina Faso, who play Mauritania on Friday. Central African Republic remain on zero points.

Cameroon were less emphatic but comfortably defeated Namibia 2-0 in Japoma. Despite another reshuffled starting XI selected by David Pagou and the absence of key players including Baleba and Namaso, the Indomitable Lions took control.

Saidou Alioum Moubarak opened the scoring in the 16th minute after being played in by Angel Yondjo. Bil Nsongo added a second in the 29th minute following strong work from captain Bryan Mbeumo.

Cameroon were less dominant after the interval but secured a four-point lead at the top of the group, with Comoros scheduled to face Congo on Friday.