2015 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Kick Off with Surprises and Strong Performances
The first round of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, which started on Friday and concluded on Sunday, delivered several unexpected results and impressive displays from both favorites and underdogs across the continent.
The opening matchday saw Mali clinch a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Malawi, ending the weekend’s fixtures on a high note. This win puts the Eagles in a strong position as the competition progresses.
In Group A, South Africa made a strong statement under new coach Ephraim Mashaba, cruising to a commanding 3-0 win away in Sudan. Goals from Siphiwe Tshabalala and Katlego Mphela helped Bafana Bafana top their group early. However, the real shock came in Calabar where Nigeria suffered a stunning 2-3 home defeat to Congo, raising questions about the Super Eagles’ qualifying campaign.
Group B witnessed a successful start for Algeria, who edged out Ethiopia 2-1 in Addis Ababa. It was a promising debut for the Fennecs’ new coach, Christian Gourcuff. Meanwhile, Mali followed suit by overcoming Malawi 2-0 in a tightly contested fixture, strengthening their bid in the group.
In Group C, Gabon marked Portuguese coach Jorge Costa’s first match with a narrow 1-0 win against Angola at home. Burkina Faso also impressed, securing a solid 2-0 victory over Lesotho thanks to goals from Jonathan Pitroipa and Alain Traoré.
The favorites in Group D held firm despite the absence of star players such as Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o. Ivory Coast managed a 2-1 win against Sierra Leone, while Cameroon defeated DR Congo 2-0 on the road, consolidating their status as group leaders.
Group E’s action was marked by Guinea’s 2-1 triumph over Togo in a match moved to Morocco due to the Ebola crisis. Despite finishing with ten men, the Syli Nationale held firm against a Togo side led by Emmanuel Adebayor. Ghana, meanwhile, was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Uganda, setting up a key showdown against Togo on 10 September in Lomé.
In Group F, Zambia stumbled to a 0-0 draw with Mozambique at home, while Cape Verde claimed a strong 3-1 victory over Niger away from home.
Senegal’s return to their historic Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium was marked by a spirited 2-0 win over Egypt. The Lions of Teranga, buoyed by goals from Biram Diouf and Sadio Mané, showed they remain a force in African football. Tunisia also impressed with a 2-1 win over Botswana.
Summary of Key Results:
Group A: Sudan 0-3 South Africa; Nigeria 2-3 Congo
Group B: Ethiopia 1-2 Algeria; Mali 2-0 Malawi
Group C: Gabon 1-0 Angola; Burkina Faso 2-0 Lesotho
Group D: DR Congo 0-2 Cameroon; Ivory Coast 2-1 Sierra Leone
Group E: Guinea 2-1 Togo; Ghana 1-1 Uganda
Group F: Zambia 0-0 Mozambique; Niger 1-3 Cape Verde
Group G: Senegal 2-0 Egypt; Tunisia 2-1 Botswana
With several groups tightly contested and notable surprises already emerging, the qualifiers promise to be an exciting build-up to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations. The next round of matches, scheduled for Wednesday, will be crucial as teams look to assert their dominance and secure early qualification advantages.