Senegal and Cameroon close in on AFCON 2027 qualification after rivals drop points

Senegal and Cameroon moved to within one victory of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations without playing on Friday, after favourable results in the other matches in their respective groups.

Both sides had won on Thursday to reach seven points midway through the qualifying campaign. Cameroon beat Namibia 2-0 in Douala, while Senegal defeated Sudan 4-1 in Dakar.

The gap at the top of both groups increased after Friday’s results.

In Group J, Ethiopia claimed a surprise 1-0 victory away to Mozambique, with Markneh scoring the only goal in the 87th minute. The defeat prevented Mozambique from drawing level with Senegal and left them on four points.

Ethiopia moved up to three points after recording their first win of the qualifiers. Senegal now lead Mozambique by three points and are four ahead of both Ethiopia and Sudan.

The result means Senegal could secure their place at the tournament in the next round. To do so, they must beat Sudan in Juba, South Sudan, while Mozambique win away to Ethiopia.

Senegal are the champions of Africa 2022.

In the other fixture, Comoros were held to a goalless draw by Congo at Malouzini in Cameroon’s group. The hosts missed the chance to establish a significant advantage after a frustrating final period, with Idris Mohamed hitting the crossbar late on.

The draw benefited Cameroon, who could qualify on Monday if they beat Namibia again, this time in Botswana, provided Comoros do not lose to Congo in Brazzaville.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign has therefore strengthened the positions of both Senegal and Cameroon, with each now requiring one more victory, alongside a specific result elsewhere, to confirm their place at the finals.