AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Full results of Matchday 1

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers began with goals, surprises and home dominance across the continent as 24 matches produced 63 goals on Matchday One.

Reigning African champions Ivory Coast handed Ghana a damaging 2-0 defeat in one of the standout fixtures, while Morocco, Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa all opened their campaigns with victories.

Only two away teams managed to win, underlining the advantage enjoyed by home sides as 16 hosts claimed all three points and six matches ended in draws.

Ivory Coast strike first in heavyweight clash

The headline result came in Bouaké, where Ivory Coast defeated Ghana 2-0 in Group C.

Malick Yalcouyé broke the deadlock before half-time, and Franck Kessié sealed the victory from the penalty spot after the break, giving the Elephants an early advantage in a group that also includes Gambia and Somalia.

The defeat leaves Ghana under immediate pressure ahead of their second qualifier, while Ivory Coast continue their impressive run on home soil.

Morocco, Algeria and Cameroon impress

Morocco made a comfortable start by beating Gabon 2-0, extending their strong recent form under Walid Regragui.

Algeria also delivered a convincing performance, defeating Zambia 3-1, while Cameroon overcame Comoros by the same scoreline to begin their qualifying campaign with confidence.

Mali matched that result with a 3-1 victory over Cape Verde, and Rwanda also scored three times in a 3-1 win against Liberia.

South Africa edge Guinea

South Africa secured one of the biggest results of the opening round with a 2-1 victory over Guinea.

Bafana Bafana’s home success strengthens their position early in the group and continues their encouraging form after recent continental progress.

Nigeria survive Madagascar scare

Nigeria were made to work for their opening victory before defeating Madagascar 2-1.

The Super Eagles collected three valuable points despite being pushed throughout by a determined Madagascar side.

Elsewhere, DR Congo defeated Equatorial Guinea 2-0, Sudan edged Ethiopia 1-0, and Namibia earned a narrow 1-0 win over Congo.

Egypt frustrated as Senegal held

Not every favourite enjoyed a winning start.

Egypt were held to a goalless draw by Angola, despite home advantage, while Senegal were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw away to Mozambique.

Tunisia also dropped points after a 1-1 draw with Uganda, and Burkina Faso shared the spoils with Benin by the same scoreline.

Libya and Botswana played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Kenya stumble against Eritrea

Kenya’s campaign began with disappointment as they were held 1-1 by Eritrea.

The result prompted renewed scrutiny of goalkeeper Byrne Omondi, although coach Benni McCarthy later defended his first-choice goalkeeper and insisted he would retain his place.

Late drama elsewhere

Zimbabwe produced one of the comeback stories of the opening round, defeating Sierra Leone 3-2 in a five-goal thriller.

Gambia defeated Somalia 2-1, Malawi edged South Sudan by the same scoreline, and Mauritania claimed a 3-1 victory over the Central African Republic.

Togo beat Burundi 1-0, Niger overcame Lesotho 2-1, while Guinea-Bissau pulled off one of only two away victories with a 2-0 win over Tanzania.

Matchday One by the numbers

The opening round highlighted the importance of home advantage across Africa.

• Matches: 24
• Goals: 63
• Home wins: 16
• Away wins: 2
• Draws: 6

With only two away victories recorded, hosts overwhelmingly controlled the opening round, setting up an intriguing second matchday as several traditional heavyweights—including Ghana, Egypt and Senegal—seek to recover lost ground in the race for places at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.