AFCON 2027 qualifying: Colley, Munetsi and Wissa among early standouts

The opening two rounds of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers have already highlighted several players making a significant impact for their countries, whether through goals, creativity or consistent performances.

Ebrima Colley has been one of the most influential figures so far. The Gambia forward has scored in both matches and has three goals to his name. He converted a penalty in the Scorpions’ 2-1 win over Somalia before scoring twice against Ghana in a notable 4-2 victory in Accra.

Colley came on with The Gambia trailing 2-1 and put his side ahead in the 68th minute. He then completed the win in added time, helping the Scorpions make it two victories from two matches and six points from their opening games.

Zimbabwe have also had a prolific midfielder in Marshall Munetsi. He scored twice as the Warriors recovered from 2-0 down to beat Sierra Leone in the first round of matches.

Munetsi struck again in the second game against the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His goal in added time was not enough to prevent a 2-1 defeat, but his three goals in two matches place him level with Colley at the top of the scoring standings.

Yalcouye makes an immediate impression

Malick Yalcouye has provided one of the early success stories of the campaign. Making his first appearance for Cote d’Ivoire, the Brighton midfielder was selected by Herve Renard to start against Ghana.

He repaid that faith by opening the scoring in the 44th minute with a shot that set the Elephants on their way to a 2-0 victory. Yalcouye also won the penalty converted by Franck Kessie after half-time.

His influence was again noted by the Ivorian press in the second match against Somalia. Although he was less precise at times, his work rate and ability to find spaces between the lines stood out.

Yoane Wissa has played a key role for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, scoring in both of his country’s matches. After finding the net against Equatorial Guinea in the opening round, he scored again away to Zimbabwe.

Wissa gave the Democratic Republic of the Congo the lead in the 30th minute, before Samuel Moutoussamy doubled their advantage.

Egypt responded strongly after being held to a goalless draw by Angola in their first match. The Pharaohs beat South Sudan 5-0, with Omar Marmoush scoring twice in the 49th and 83rd minutes. Egypt now have one win and one draw from their opening two games.

South Africa followed a 2-1 victory over Guinea by beating Eritrea 5-0. Relebohile Mofokeng scored in the 19th and 45th+1 minutes to help the Bafana Bafana secure a second consecutive win and move four points clear at the top of their group with six points.

Mali were less emphatic in the second round, but Nene Dorgeles had already made a strong impression by scoring twice in a 3-1 victory over Cape Verde in their opening match.