AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Cape Verde Wins, Mozambique Falls
The road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) delivered high drama on Wednesday as Cape Verde secured a vital victory at home, while Mozambique suffered a late heartbreak against Ethiopia.
Blue Sharks Bite Back in Praia
In Praia, the Cape Verdean national team, known as the ‘Blue Sharks,’ earned their first three points of the qualifying campaign with a commanding 4-2 win over Liberia. The hosts wasted no time, as Ayoni Santos netted his first-ever senior international goal just five minutes into the match.
Although Franklin Nyenetue leveled for Liberia in the 36th minute, Cape Verde responded with a devastating scoring blitz before the break. Santa Clara midfielder Djê Tavares restored the lead in the 38th minute, followed quickly by a Dailon Livramento strike in the 43rd minute to make it 3-1.
The final moments of the match saw a flurry of activity. Sanches Fernandes appeared to put the result beyond doubt with a goal in the 91st minute, but a late penalty from Liberia’s Ayouba Kosiah in the 95th minute brought the final score to 4-2. The win moves Cape Verde to third place in Group K, trailing leaders Rwanda and second-place Mali.
Ethiopia Stuns Mozambique with Historic Late Strike
While Cape Verde celebrated, Mozambique endured a frustrating afternoon at the Zimpeto National Stadium in Maputo. Despite dominated possession and featuring Sporting CP star Geny Catamo for 65 minutes, the Mambas fell 1-0 to Ethiopia.
The deciding blow came in the 87th minute when Kenean Markneh found the back of the net, securing Ethiopia’s first-ever qualifying victory against Mozambique. The result is a significant blow to Mozambique’s momentum following an impressive draw against Senegal and a rout of Sudan in their opening fixtures.
Despite the loss, Mozambique clings to second place in Group J with four points. However, the group has now tightened significantly, with Sudan and Ethiopia trailing the Mambas by just a single point. The two sides are set for an immediate rematch next Tuesday at the Bahir Dar International Stadium in Ethiopia.
The Road to AFCON 2027
The qualifying process will determine 21 of the 24 teams heading to the 36th edition of Africa’s premier football tournament. The top two teams from nine of the 12 groups will advance, along with the winners of the three groups containing the host nations.
AFCON 2027 will be a historic event, hosted jointly for the first time by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
Image: Pexels – Franco Monsalvo
