Guinea-Bissau delivered the most striking result of Friday's opening round of TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying, beating Tanzania 2-0 on the road. Mozambique, meanwhile, denied Senegal a winning start under new coach Patrick Vieira, holding the Lions of Teranga to a 1-1 draw. Sudan also collected three points, edging Ethiopia 1-0 thanks to a late strike.

Mozambique 1-1 Senegal

Patrick Vieira's first competitive match as Senegal head coach ended in a share of the spoils after Mozambique clawed their way back from a goal down. Nicolas Jackson broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute, putting the visitors in the driving seat as they sought to impress under their new manager.

However, Mozambique levelled before the break — Geny Catamo finding the net in added time to ensure both sides went into the tunnel level. The second half produced no further goals, leaving Senegal with a single point from Vieira's opening qualifier.

Vieira began his tenure without Sadio Mané, who was absent through a physical problem, though the former France international still had attacking quality to call upon in Jackson, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, and Assane Diao. For Mozambique, a draw against one of Africa's most respected sides represents an encouraging start to their Group J campaign.

Tanzania 0-2 Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau produced a major upset in Group L, silencing the home crowd in Tanzania with a composed 2-0 victory. Franculino Djú opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, and Mama Baldé doubled the advantage in the 58th minute to put the result beyond doubt.

Tanzania introduced several substitutes in the second half in search of a response, but Guinea-Bissau's disciplined defensive shape held firm throughout. The victory carries particular weight given that Tanzania, as one of AFCON 2027's three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, are already guaranteed a place at the finals.

With Tanzania's qualifying berth secure regardless of results, only the highest-placed remaining side in Group L will advance. That leaves Guinea-Bissau in direct competition with Nigeria and Madagascar for the one available ticket — and three points taken away from a co-host is a commanding early statement.

For Tanzania, the defeat serves as a reminder that home qualifying fixtures still demand full focus, even ahead of a tournament they will help to stage.

Sudan 1-0 Ethiopia

Sudan opened their Group J account with a narrow but deserved victory over Ethiopia, settled by Mohamed Eisa's 86th-minute goal. The match was goalless at half-time and remained tight deep into the second period, with Ethiopia resisting Sudan's pressure until the closing moments.

Eisa's late strike proved decisive, handing Sudan all three points and an immediate foothold in a group that also features Senegal and Mozambique. With Senegal dropping points earlier in the evening, Sudan find themselves in a strong early position in what promises to be a competitive qualification battle.

Ethiopia will reflect on a disciplined display that ultimately went unrewarded after conceding so late. Sudan, known for their defensive solidity, will look to build on this opening victory as the campaign develops.