CAN U23 qualifiers: Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire beaten as Mali take control

Algeria will need to overturn a 2-1 deficit against Eswatini in the second leg of their CAN U23 qualifying tie after surrendering a half-time lead in Lobamba.

The teams met on Wednesday in the first leg of the second and penultimate qualifying round for next year’s tournament in Egypt. Algeria took the lead before the interval through Gaetan Bakhouche of Toulouse at the Somhlolo National Stadium.

However, Rafik Saifi’s side were unable to protect their advantage after the break. Eswatini scored twice in the second half, with the winning goal coming directly from a free-kick.

Algeria must now recover the deficit in the return fixture in Algiers on 16 November if they are to progress to the third qualifying round. The Greens have not reached the CAN U23 since 2015. The competition also serves as a qualification route for the Olympic Games.

Cote d’Ivoire face a similarly difficult task after losing 2-1 to Kenya in Nairobi.

The home side moved ahead before Oumar Konate, of Stade Lavallois, brought the Elephants level in the 74th minute. Kenya responded decisively, restoring their lead in the 84th minute and securing the first-leg victory.

Like Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire will need to win the second leg at home by at least two goals to qualify without a penalty shoot-out.

Mali, by contrast, established a commanding position with a 3-0 victory away to Zimbabwe in Harare.

Sidibe, Sissoko and Dembele scored for the Eagles, leaving them with a substantial advantage ahead of the return match in Bamako. Mali now need to complete the job at home to advance.

Senegal were the only one of the four sides to avoid defeat away from home, drawing 0-0 with South Sudan in Juba.

The Lions of Teranga were unable to find a breakthrough but return to Dakar with the tie level. They will need to raise their performance in the second leg on 17 November if they are to secure their place in the next round.