The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying group stage launched on Thursday, producing victories for DR Congo and Mauritania, while Libya mounted a stunning late comeback to snatch a draw against Botswana.

DR Congo dominate Equatorial Guinea

DR Congo opened their Group E campaign with a composed 2-0 home win over Equatorial Guinea. Chancel Mbemba put the hosts in front after just four minutes, rising to head home Arthur Masuaku's corner delivery beyond goalkeeper Jesús Owono.

Equatorial Guinea pressed for an equaliser as the half wore on, and Saúl Coco tested Matthieu Epolo from range early in the second period. Owono also denied Nathanaël Mbuku with a header as DR Congo searched for a second.

The decisive blow came in the 72nd minute when Yoane Wissa collected inside the area and slotted into the bottom corner. Epolo then produced a late stop to deny Loren Zúñiga and protect the clean sheet, sending DR Congo top of Group E with a full three points.

Mauritania cruise past Central African Republic

In Group F, Mauritania claimed a commanding 3-1 victory over Central African Republic. Aboubakary Koïta broke the deadlock from the penalty spot before Goduine Koyalipou levelled for the visitors.

Mauritania responded quickly — Dawda Camara restored the lead, and Mamadou Diallo added a third to seal all three points, giving the hosts an early advantage at the top of their group.

Libya's stoppage-time penalty earns a share of the spoils

Group H produced the most dramatic finish of the day. Botswana's Tumisang Orebonye scored twice to put the visitors 2-0 up and seemingly in control.

Libya refused to surrender. Maruwan Alhibeeshi pulled one back to reignite the tie, and in stoppage time Libya were awarded a penalty. Ezoo El Mariamy stepped up and converted to make it 2-2, completing a remarkable comeback and earning both sides a point apiece.

Matchday 1 of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers runs from Thursday to Saturday, as all 48 competing nations begin their pursuit of a place at the finals to be held in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.