Libya 3-3 Cape Verde

Libya played out a dramatic 3-3 draw with Cape Verde. The hosts took an early lead through an own goal and were winning 3-1 after Al-Shilwi's goal in the 58th minute. However, the Blue Sharks staged a late comeback with goals from Cabral and Willy Semedo in the 76th and 82nd minutes to snatch a point.

Mauritius 0-2 Cameroon

Cameroon secured a disciplined 2-0 victory away against Mauritius. Despite a goalless first half, Moumi Ngamaleu finally broke the deadlock early in the second half. Bryan Mbeumo added a crucial second goal in stoppage time to seal the three points for the Indomitable Lions and start their qualification on a positive note.

Ethiopia 1-0 Guinea-Bissau

Ethiopia claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau in a match played in Kigali, Rwanda. The decisive goal came in the first half from Ramkel James, who headed home a free-kick in the 27th minute. The lone goal secured a vital three points for the Walia Ibex in this group stage fixture.

Eswatini 2-2 Angola

Eswatini and Angola played out an exciting 2-2 draw. Eswatini twice took the lead in the second half with a brace from Justice Figuareido. However, Angola showed resilience, with goals from Jonathan Buatu and Ary Papel to level the score each time, ensuring the points were shared in Lobamba.

Chad 0-2 Mali

Mali secured a straightforward 2-0 victory away against Chad. Midfielder Kamory Doumbia was the hero for Mali, scoring both goals, one in each half. His two strikes ensured the Eagles collected all three points and maintained a clean sheet in a controlled performance away from home.

Comoros 1-2 Madagascar

Madagascar edged out a 2-1 win in a competitive island derby against Comoros. Clement Couturier opened the scoring for Madagascar, and Elias Raheriniaina doubled the lead in the second half. Comoros mounted a late effort, pulling one goal back through R. Said, but the visitors held on for the victory.

Sierra Leone 0-1 Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against Sierra Leone. The decisive goal was scored late in the first half by Mohamed Zougrana. The Stallions defended their narrow lead throughout the second half against a determined Sierra Leone side to claim a valuable three points.

Central African Republic 0-5 Ghana

Ghana delivered a dominant 5-0 thrashing of the Central African Republic. The goals were spread around the team, with strikes from Salisu, Partey, Djiku, Ayew, and Sulemana. This emphatic win provided a significant boost to Ghana's goal difference in the group standings.

Djibouti 0-3 Egypt

Egypt comfortably defeated Djibouti 3-0 in a match played on neutral ground in Morocco. Ibrahim Adel opened the scoring early, followed by a brilliant brace from star forward Mohamed Salah. The victory was dominant and sealed Egypt's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Tanzania 0-1 Zambia

Zambia claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania in a tightly contested match in Zanzibar. The Chipolopolo's winning goal was scored in the second half by Fashion Sakala. The well-taken strike was enough to defeat their East African rivals and secure all three points in this group stage encounter.

Niger 3-1 Congo

Niger secured a comfortable 3-1 home win against Congo. Goals from Daniel Sosah, Youssouf Oumarou, and Victorien Adebayor gave the home side a commanding three-goal lead. Deo Bassinga scored a consolation goal for Congo deep into stoppage time, but Niger comfortably claimed the victory.

Abdeslam Ouaddou focused on progress, not records at Orlando Pirates