2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Morocco and Algeria win, Egypt held to a draw

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers kicked off on September 25, 2026, with several major matches across the continent. According to RFI Afrique, Morocco and Algeria handled this first matchday perfectly by winning at home, while Egypt was held to a draw on its own turf.

In Rabat, the Atlas Lions secured a 2-0 victory against Gabon in Group A. Deprived of their captain Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Ouahbi's players opened the scoring in the 36th minute through Noussair Mazraoui. Soufiane Rahimi sealed the Moroccan victory in the 84th minute following a pass from Bilal El Khannouss, allowing Morocco to make a successful return after their quarter-final exit in the World Cup.

In Group I, Algeria dominated Zambia 3-1 in Brahim Hemdani's first match on the Fennecs' bench. Jaouen Hadjam opened the scoring as early as the 2nd minute, before Zambia equalized through Sakala in the 58th minute. The Algerians then regained the lead thanks to Ibrahim Maza in the 74th minute, followed by a third goal scored by Hadj Moussa off an assist from Maza.

In Cairo, Egypt conceded a draw (0-0) against Angola in Group B. Despite strong dominance and the inclusion of Mohamed Salah in the starting lineup, Hossam Hassan's men failed to convert their chances against the Palancas Negras. Meanwhile, Mali won 3-1 against Cape Verde in Bamako thanks to Ange Tia and a brace from Dorgeles Nene in Group K, while Burkina Faso and Benin ended in a stalemate (1-1) in Ouagadougou in Group F.

Our perspective

The start of these qualifiers illustrates the vitality and competitiveness of African football. Between the confirmation of the heavyweights and the resistance of emerging nations, these results testify to the growing level of demand on the continent. The quest for African sporting supremacy highlights the talent of the athletes and brings people together around a common passion.