AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Gabon beat Niger to claim first three points

Gabon secured their first victory of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign after beating Niger 2-0 at home on Tuesday.

The Panthers claimed all three points in their Group A encounter on 29 September 2026, with R.J. Effaghe and Denis Bouanga finding the net in the second half.

Gabon strike after the break

After a goalless first half, Gabon broke the deadlock in the 53rd minute through R.J. Effaghe.

Denis Bouanga then doubled the hosts’ advantage in the 77th minute to secure a 2-0 victory.

The result gives Gabon three points from their opening two matches after suffering defeat in their first qualifying fixture.

Morocco remain top of Group A

The victory moves Gabon onto three points, level with Niger after two matches.

Morocco remain top of Group A with six points from two games, having won both of their opening fixtures.

Niger have three points from two matches, while Lesotho remain without a point after two defeats.

Gabon will now look to build on their first qualifying victory as the race for places at the 2027 AFCON continues.