Three of Africa's most storied footballing nations were in action on Friday night in the opening round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers — and they produced very different results.

Algeria claimed a comfortable 3-1 win over Zambia, Morocco dispatched Gabon 2-0, while Egypt had to settle for a goalless draw against Angola in a frustrating opener.

Algeria mark Hamdani's debut with a winning display

New Algeria coach Brahim Hamdani could not have asked for a better start. Jaouen Hadjam put the Desert Foxes ahead after just two minutes, and the tie appeared well in hand — until Zambia's Fashion Sakala drew the visitors level in the 57th minute.

Algeria responded with authority. Ibrahim Maza restored the lead ten minutes after Sakala's equaliser, and substitute Anis Hadj Moussa made it 3-1 in the 74th minute to put the contest beyond doubt. Algeria protected the two-goal cushion through the final stages, handing former international defender Hamdani a winning debut in charge.

Morocco overcome Gabon in Group A

Morocco were clinical in their 2-0 dismissal of Gabon. Noussair Mazraoui broke the deadlock in the 36th minute to send the Atlas Lions into the interval with the advantage, and Gabon struggled to find a way back after the break.

Soufiane Rahimi wrapped up the points with a second goal in the 84th minute, securing Morocco's place alongside Niger — who beat Lesotho 2-1 in the group's other fixture — on three points at the top of Group A.

Egypt frustrated by resilient Angola

Record seven-time African champions Egypt endured a difficult evening, held to a 0-0 draw by Angola in Group B. The hosts 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 pressed throughout but could not break down Angola's determined defence, leaving both sides with a single point from their opening match.

Dorgeles double fires Mali to victory

Elsewhere, Mali made an impressive start in Group K, beating Cape Verde 3-1. Martial Tia struck inside five minutes, but Cape Verde's Lopes Cabral quickly equalised. Nini Dorgeles then took control, restoring Mali's lead before half-time and striking again six minutes into the second half to complete his double and seal a comfortable victory.

Burkina Faso and Benin share the spoils

In Group F, Burkina Faso and Benin played out a 1-1 draw. Lassina Traoré converted a penalty in the 20th minute to put Burkina Faso ahead, but Aiyegun Tosin levelled from the spot in the 68th minute for Benin. Neither side could find a winner, and both camps head into the next round of fixtures with one point each.