The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers kicked off this week with several closely contested matches, many of which ended in stalemates. While teams battled fiercely across the continent, only Sudan managed to secure a victory in their opening fixture, edging out Niger with a narrow 1-0 win.
In a tense encounter held in Juba on Wednesday evening, Sudan’s Abo Eisa emerged as the hero for the Falcons of Jediane.
His decisive goal in the 51st minute proved to be the difference between the two sides, earning Sudan all three points and placing them at the top of Group F.
The match was characterized by a gritty defensive display from both teams, but it was Eisa’s clinical finishing that ultimately gave the hosts the upper hand.
Meanwhile, in Group A, Comoros and Gambia played out a 1-1 draw in their match at the Ben M’Hamed El Abdi Stadium in Morocco.
Comoros took the lead in the 37th minute through their talisman Youssouf M’Changama, who converted a well-worked team move.
However, Gambia responded just before halftime, with Musa Barrow of Al Taawoun finding the back of the net to level the score.
Despite both teams’ efforts to snatch a winner in the second half, the match ended in a deadlock, leaving each side with a point.
Group F saw another draw, this time between Tanzania and Ethiopia, who faced off at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
The match ended 0-0, with neither team able to break the deadlock despite several attempts to do so.
The game was marked by a lack of clear-cut chances, as both defenses held firm, seemingly content to share the points as the final whistle approached.
In yet another draw, Libya and Rwanda shared the spoils in their Group D match, which also ended 1-1.
The June 11 Stadium in Libya witnessed a competitive encounter where the hosts took an early lead, only to see Rwanda fight back to equalize.
Both sides pressed for a winner, but ultimately, they had to settle for a point each.
The opening round of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers has set the stage for what promises to be a fiercely competitive campaign.
With several teams showing resilience and determination in their first outings, the path to qualification remains wide open.
The next round of fixtures will be crucial as teams look to build on these early results and gain momentum in their respective groups.
Results:
Sudan 1-0 Niger
Comoros 1-1 Gambia
Libya 1-1 Rwanda
Tanzania 0-0 Ethiopia
As the qualifiers progress, fans across Africa will be eagerly watching to see which teams can break away from the pack and secure their places in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
