Afcon qualifiers see Ghana, Nigeria and Cape Verde suffer unexpected defeats
Ghana lost 4-2 to Gambia after squandering a two-goal lead, Nigeria were thrashed 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau, and Cape Verde fell 2-1 to Rwanda following a previous World Cup run.
Group C action saw Ghana concede a two-goal lead and fall 4-2 to Gambia, the latter’s Ebrima Colley netting a brace. In Group L, Nigeria, without injured star Victor Osimhen, were soundly defeated 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau, with Franculino Dju and Mama Balde scoring. Cape Verde, after a notable World Cup showing, led Rwanda at home but lost 2-1 after Claude Niyomugabo and Elie Tatou scored for the visitors.
Meanwhile, Algeria recovered from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with Burundi, and Morocco, Senegal and Egypt secured away wins over Lesotho, Ethiopia and South Sudan respectively. Egypt rested Mohamed Salah on the artificial pitch in Juba, yet still triumphed 5-0. Ghana now sit bottom of Group C after also losing to Ivory Coast.
Why it matters
The results reshape the African Nations Cup qualification landscape and threaten the tournament hopes of several traditional powerhouses.
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