AFCONQ: Ethiopia stun Egypt as Nigeria, Morocco seal comeback wins

Ethiopia pulled one of the biggest upsets in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers thus far after beating Egypt 2-0 while Morocco, Mali, Guinea Bissau and Nigeria had to come from behind to secure victories.

Burundi 0-1 Cameroon

Following a stellar 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, Olympique Lyon forward Karl Toko Ekambi was the difference as Cameroon edged Burundi 1-0 to kick start their qualifiers with a win.

Cameroon were slated to take on Kenya in their opening game but the latter is currently serving a FIFA Suspension for government interference in football.

South Sudan 1-3 Mali

Africa’s youngest nation, South Sudan were on the verge of a famous point against Mali but stoppage time goals saw the West African nation bag a routine 3-1 win.

Kiki Kouyate’s unfortunate own goal handed South Sudan the lead before Mohamed Camara restored parity for Mali two minutes before the hour mark.

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South Sudan could not hold on the point despite having a man advantage as Sekou Koita and Aliou Dieng scored to hand Mali three crucial points.

Ethiopia 2-0 Egypt

Record African champions, Egypt suffered a shock 2-0 loss at the hands of Ethiopia to blow Group D wide open as every nation has three points as at Match Day 2.

Dawa Hotessa opened the scoring for Ethiopia as Shimelis Bekele doubled their advantage as Egypt could not just get going in the game.

Guinea 1-0 Malawi

Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita delivered three points for Guinea with a stoppage time goal in the 1-0 win over Malawi to set up an interesting Group D.

Malawi looked on course to extend their unbeaten start to the qualifiers after opening their campaign with a win over Ethiopia but Guinea got over their loss to Egypt last time out to win.

Guinea Bissau 5-1 Sao Tome and Principe

African minnows Sao Tome and Principe were taught a footballing lesson following a 5-1 thumping at the hands of Guinea Bissau.

Edmilson Viegas opened the scoring for Sao Tome and Principe before Alfa Semedo restored parity heading into the half time break.

Zinho Gano’s brace and goals from Zidane Banjaqui and Jorginho who plies his trade in Poland with Wisla Plock handed Bissau the emphatic win.

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Nigeria 2-1 Sierra Leone

2013 African champions Nigeria opened their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Sierra Leone at the Abuja National Stadium.

Jonathan Morsay’s strike was cancelled out by goals from Everton forward Alex Iwobi and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen with the second half being a barren affair.

Lesotho 0-0 Ivory Coast

2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast played out to a barren draw against Lesotho to continue with their unbeaten run in the qualifiers.

Ivory Coast have already sealed a place in the tournament by virtue of being hosts were frustrated by their finishing in the final third.

Morocco 2-1 South Africa

An inspired second half performance was enough for Morocco to overturn a one goal deficit and win the clash 2-1 against South Africa.

Lyle Foster needed only eight minutes to break the deadlock for South Africa but second half goals from Youssef En Nesyri and Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win for Morocco.