Algeria claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over Togo on Saturday, while Angola pulled off a dramatic late comeback to beat ten-man South Sudan 2-0 in separate TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying fixtures.

Bensebaini fires Algeria to victory

Ramy Bensebaini's 76th-minute strike was the difference between the two sides in Group I, handing Brahim Hemdani's side three precious points and lifting them to seven from three matches — two wins and a draw.

Algeria found Togo a stubborn obstacle throughout a goalless first half. The visitors defended in disciplined shape, frustrating the Desert Foxes despite Algeria's spells of pressure. Hemdani responded after the break by introducing Saâdi Radouani, Mohamed Amoura, and Farès Chaïbi to sharpen the attack.

The move paid off when Anis Hadj Moussa set up Bensebaini to convert and settle the contest. Togo — who had Kevin Denkey, Karim Dermane, and captain Djené cautioned during the game — could not fashion a reply.

Algeria's win comes alongside Zambia's 1-1 draw with Burundi. Zambia sit second in Group I on four points, Togo are third on three, and Burundi fourth on two. Algeria also boast the group's best goal difference at +3, putting them in strong shape ahead of Tuesday's return meeting in Lomé, where another win would take them to ten points.

Angola snatch late victory against ten-man South Sudan

Angola's win in Group B was far more nerve-shredding. The Palancas Negras dominated possession for long stretches but appeared set for a goalless draw until two goals arrived in quick succession deep in stoppage time.

South Sudan's task grew significantly harder in the 48th minute when defender Angelo Geriga was shown a straight red card for unsporting conduct. Angola coach Aliou Cissé pushed his side forward with a series of substitutions, introducing Chico Banza and Miro in the 53rd and 65th minutes respectively.

The breakthrough finally came at 90+2' when Miro turned provider for Banza to open the scoring. Angola then struck again at 90+8' — Zito Luvumbo teeing up Miro to put the result beyond doubt and end South Sudan's hopes of an unlikely away point.

The result takes Angola to seven points, level with Egypt at the top of Group B, though the seven-time African champions lead on goal difference. Egypt have scored ten goals without reply for a +10 goal difference, while Angola's stands at +4. Malawi sit third on three points, and South Sudan remain bottom with no points from three games.

Angola travel to face South Sudan again on Tuesday. Victory would push them to ten points and strengthen their push for a place at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 finals, where the battle at the summit of Group B — between two unbeaten sides — promises to be one of the qualifying campaign's most compelling storylines.