Nigeria overcame an early setback to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their opening TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifier, while Gambia, Rwanda, Guinea-Bissau, Malawi, and Togo also claimed opening victories on a busy Friday of continental action.

Nigeria recover to beat Madagascar

Madagascar threatened an upset when Ehsan Kari put the visitors ahead after 16 minutes, finishing after being played in by Ryan Ponti. Nigeria regrouped and drew level in first-half stoppage time through George Ilenikhena, who converted an Alex Iwobi pass to make it 1-1.

The Super Eagles completed their comeback in the 65th minute. Substitute Moses Usor, introduced in place of Samuel Chukwueze, made an immediate impact by converting a pass from Semi Ajayi to give Nigeria a 2-1 lead they would not relinquish. The victory earned them three points from their Group L opener.

Guinea-Bissau claim impressive away win

Also in Group L, Guinea-Bissau recorded a commanding 2-0 away victory over co-host Tanzania. Franculino broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute after being set up by Beto, and the Djurtus doubled their advantage in the 58th minute when Mama Baldé converted from Dalcio's pass.

Tanzania's place at PAMOJA 2027 is already secured as one of the three co-hosts, meaning Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Madagascar are competing for the highest-ranked non-host spot in the group.

Badamosi gives Gambia late victory

In Group C, Gambia edged Somalia 2-1 in a contest that swung back and forth. Ebrima Colley put the Scorpions ahead from the penalty spot in the 18th minute, only for Bilal Njie to equalise for Somalia in the 72nd minute.

The response came 11 minutes later when Muhammed Badamosi, on as a half-time substitute, scored from Suleiman Camara's pass to restore Gambia's lead and seal all three points. The result sets up a positive platform ahead of their next qualifier against Ghana.

Rwanda strike three in first half

Rwanda produced the most dominant performance of the evening, beating Liberia 3-1 in Group K. Abeddy Biramahire opened the scoring after just 2 minutes following a pass from Mickels Leroy Jacques, who then turned provider into scorer himself in the 33rd minute, converting from Gilbert Byiringiro's assist.

Liberia pulled one back through Sylvanus Nimely in the 38th minute, but Rwanda restored their two-goal cushion before the break when Mickels Joy Lance converted a penalty in the 44th minute. The Amavubi's defence held firm in the second half to secure a comfortable win.

Malawi edge South Sudan

Malawi opened their Group B campaign with a 2-1 win over South Sudan. Babatunde Adepoju gave the Flames a 1-0 half-time lead after scoring in the 20th minute, but South Sudan levelled quickly after the restart through Stephen Joseph Dhata in the 48th minute.

Malawi restored their advantage in the 64th minute through Lloyd Njaliwa, and Callisto Pasuwa's side held on despite sustained pressure from South Sudan to take three points from their opener.

Togo hold off Burundi

Togo rounded off the day's action by beating Burundi 1-0 in their Group I opener. Dermane Karim scored the only goal in the 17th minute after a pass from Zuberu Sharani, and the Sparrowhawks' defence remained organised throughout the second half to deny Burundi an equaliser and claim maximum points.