Algeria, Morocco Start with Wins as Egypt is Held to A Draw

Algeria and Morocco made winning starts to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns, while Egypt were forced to settle for a point after being held to a goalless draw by Angola on Friday.

Algeria marked Brahim Hamdani’s first match in charge with a 3-1 victory over Zambia, while Morocco defeated Gabon 2-0.

Elsewhere, Mali picked up a convincing 3-1 win over Cape Verde, while Burkina Faso and Benin shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

Algeria recover to beat Zambia

Algeria could hardly have asked for a better start when Jaouen Hadjam opened the scoring just two minutes into the match.

Zambia gradually grew into the contest and were rewarded in the 57th minute when Fashion Sakala levelled the score.

The Desert Foxes responded almost immediately. Ibrahim Maza restored Algeria’s lead in the 67th minute before substitute Anis Hadj Moussa added a third 15 minutes later.

Zambia could find no way back as Algeria comfortably saw out the closing stages to give Hamdani a winning start as head coach.

Morocco begin with three points

Morocco also opened their campaign with a victory, beating Gabon 2-0 in Group A.

The Atlas Lions broke the deadlock in the 36th minute through Noussair Mazraoui, who sent Morocco into the break with the lead.

Gabon pushed for an equaliser after half-time, but Morocco remained in control and eventually put the result beyond doubt when Soufiane Rahimi scored in the 84th minute.

The victory puts Morocco on three points, level with Niger, who also won their opening fixture against Lesotho.

Egypt held by Angola

Egypt were unable to find a way past Angola as the two sides played out a 0-0 draw in Group B.

The seven-time African champions thought they had taken the lead in the 21st minute when Mostafa Zico found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Egypt continued to press for the breakthrough, but Angola’s defence stood firm throughout the contest.

The visitors leave with a valuable away point, while Egypt will have to wait for their next fixture to chase their first victory of the campaign.

Dorgeles double inspires Mali

Mali made a strong start in Group K with a 3-1 victory over Cape Verde.

Martial Tia gave Mali the lead after just five minutes, but Cape Verde responded quickly, with Lopes Cabral equalising five minutes later.

Mali regained the advantage shortly before half-time when Nini Dorgeles found the back of the net in the 39th minute.

Dorgeles struck again six minutes after the restart to complete his brace and put Mali firmly in control.

The Eagles comfortably protected their advantage to collect all three points.

Burkina Faso and Benin settle for a point

There was nothing to separate Burkina Faso and Benin, who drew 1-1 in their opening Group F encounter.

Lassina Traoré put Burkina Faso ahead from the penalty spot in the 20th minute.

Benin responded after the interval, with Aiyegun Tosin converting a 68th-minute penalty to bring the scores level.

Neither side could produce a winner in the closing stages, leaving both nations with a point from their opening qualifier.

With the first round of fixtures underway, several of Africa’s leading football nations have already made their intentions clear, while others will be looking to bounce back when the qualifying campaign continues.