The first-leg matches of the second round of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers kicked off on Wednesday, delivering an exciting start to the knockout phase. Of the seven scheduled matches, home teams claimed victory in four, highlighting the importance of home advantage in these crucial qualifiers.
One of the standout performances came from DR Congo, who secured a 2-0 win over Morocco thanks to a brace from Jackson Muleka. The Congolese will head into the return leg with a comfortable advantage, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the next round.
Sudan also impressed at home, defeating Kenya by the same scoreline in Khartoum. Waleed Bakhiet was the hero for the hosts, scoring both goals and giving Sudan a solid foundation for the second leg.
Guinea claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Senegal, with Jules Keita and Morlaye Soumah finding the net for the hosts, while Ibrahima N’dIaye scored for Senegal. This close result sets up an intriguing return match where the visitors will have a chance to overturn the deficit.
Zambia earned an important 1-0 win away at Malawi in Blantyre, with Sakala Mode providing the decisive goal. Meanwhile, Libya also recorded a 2-0 home win over Nigeria, with Zakaria Alraish and Ousama Elbadawi on target.
Two matches ended in goalless draws: Burundi vs. Congo and South Sudan vs. Tunisia. Both ties remain wide open heading into the second legs, with everything still to play for.
The qualifiers continue on Thursday with Ethiopia hosting Mali, before a busy Friday slate featuring Mozambique vs. Zimbabwe, Angola vs. South Africa, and Niger vs. Ivory Coast. The action concludes on Saturday with Ghana vs. Gabon and Equatorial Guinea vs. Algeria, promising more excitement as teams battle for a place in the final tournament.
Wednesday Results – First Leg
- Malawi 0-1 Zambia [Sakala Mode]
- Guinea 2-1 Senegal [Jules Keita, Morlaye Soumah || Ibrahima N’diaye]
- Burundi 0-0 Congo
- South Sudan 0-0 Tunisia
- DR Congo 2-0 Morocco [Jackson Muleka 2X]
- Libya 2-0 Nigeria [Zakaria Alraish, Ousama Elbadawi]
- Sudan 2-0 Kenya [Waleed Bakhiet 2X]
Upcoming Matches
- Thursday: Ethiopia vs. Mali
- Friday: Mozambique vs. Zimbabwe; Angola vs. South Africa; Niger vs. Ivory Coast
- Saturday: Ghana vs. Gabon; Equatorial Guinea vs. Algeria
Wednesday’s results set the stage for a thrilling second leg, with several teams holding narrow leads and others looking to overturn deficits in their quest to reach the U23 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
