Libya Complete Stunning Fightback From 2-0 Down to Snatch Draw With Botswana
Libya produced the most dramatic moment of Thursday’s AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers, hauling themselves back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Botswana in a Group H thriller that swung wildly from despair to delight.
Botswana looked to be cruising after Tumisang Orebonye struck twice to put the visitors firmly in control, leaving the hosts staring down a chastening opening-day defeat. But Libya refused to fold. Maruwan Alhibeeshi halved the deficit to spark belief inside the stadium, and with the clock ticking into stoppage time, the hosts were handed a lifeline — a penalty that Ezoo El Mariamy calmly converted to complete a remarkable turnaround and salvage a share of the spoils.
It’s the kind of late drama that instantly reshapes the complexion of Group H, with both sides now taking a point apiece from an opener that looked destined to go Botswana’s way for the vast majority of the ninety minutes.
Namibia Get Off the Mark With Muzeu Header
Elsewhere, Namibia made a winning start to their campaign, edging past Congo 1-0 in Gaborone, Botswana, courtesy of a 47th-minute header from South Africa-based forward Bethuel Muzeu. Namibia dominated possession throughout, while Congo, despite carving out openings of their own, were let down by wayward finishing in front of goal. Full-back Riaan Hanamub also caught the eye with a string of driving runs forward from deep.
The win gives Namibia early momentum in their bid to return to the continental finals for the first time since 2023, while Congo — who haven’t qualified for AFCON since 2015 — will need a response when qualifying continues.
DR Congo Make Home Advantage Count
DR Congo opened their Group E campaign in style, seeing off Equatorial Guinea 2-0 at home behind goals from Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa. Mbemba needed just four minutes to break the deadlock, rising highest to meet Arthur Masuaku’s corner and head home. Equatorial Guinea threatened a response through the first half and tested Matthieu Epolo early in the second, with Saúl Coco forcing a save and Owono denying Nathanaël Mbuku at the other end. But the contest was settled in the 72nd minute when Wissa collected inside the box and slotted home to double the hosts’ advantage, with Epolo producing a late stop to deny Loren Zúñiga and seal a clean sheet.
Mauritania Edge Five-Goal Thriller Against Central African Republic
In Group F, Mauritania claimed maximum points with a 3-1 win over Central African Republic. Aboubakary Koïta opened the scoring from the penalty spot before CAR hit back through Goduine Koyalipou to level things up. Mauritania regained control through Dawda Camara, before Mamadou Diallo wrapped up the points with a third to give the hosts a comfortable two-goal cushion heading into their next qualifier.
With Namibia, DR Congo and Mauritania all claiming victories — and Libya somehow salvaging a point from the jaws of defeat — Thursday’s action has already set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely contested road to PAMOJA 2027.
