Ethiopia pulled off a remarkable result in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers on Friday, defeating Mozambique 1-0 on the road thanks to a last-gasp goal. Burundi also salvaged a share of the spoils against Zambia, while Comoros and Congo played out a goalless stalemate.

Markneh's 87th-minute strike downs Mozambique

Canaan Markneh proved the difference in a tight Group J contest, netting in the 87th minute to hand Ethiopia a vital three points on Mozambican soil. The match had been locked at 0-0 through the first half and for the majority of the second, before Markneh broke the deadlock with three minutes of normal time remaining.

The defeat is a painful blow for Mozambique, who had gathered four points from their opening two qualifiers and were keen to build further momentum in Group J. Ethiopia, by contrast, head home buoyed by a valuable away victory that significantly improves their qualification prospects.

The two nations will face each other again on 17 November, when Mozambique will seek immediate revenge and attempt to revive their campaign.

Girumugisha rescues a point for Burundi in Lusaka

Zambia looked set to claim all three points in front of a capacity home crowd in their Group I fixture, only for Burundi to strike late and snatch a 1-1 draw. Edward Chilufya opened the scoring in the 65th minute, finishing low past goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana after a sharp assist from Albert Kangwanda.

The home supporters celebrated the breakthrough, sensing a crucial victory for the Chipolopolo. Yet Burundi refused to capitulate, and Jean Girumugisha delivered a deserved equaliser in the 83rd minute to silence the stands and earn his side a hard-fought point.

Zambia will feel frustration at relinquishing the lead so late, while Burundi can take genuine encouragement from their resilience. Both teams return to action on Tuesday, 17 November, with meaningful qualification points still on the line in a fiercely competitive Group I.

Comoros and Congo cannot be separated in Moroni

At the Stade Omnisports de Malouzini in Moroni, Comoros and Congo shared a 0-0 draw in Group G, leaving the qualification picture in that group wide open. Neither side could conjure the decisive moment needed to separate them, despite substitutions aimed at shifting the momentum.

Comoros entered the fixture on three points after winning their previous qualifier against Namibia, and Friday's draw moves them to four points from three matches. Congo, still searching for their first win after a defeat to Namibia and a draw with Cameroon, collect their second point of the campaign.

With both teams still very much in contention, their return fixture in Brazzaville on 17 November takes on greater significance for the qualification race in Group G.