Comoros shock Tunisia as Salah, Mbeumo strike in AFCON qualifiers
Comoros pulled off a stunning 1-0 win against Tunisia on Friday, ending Tunisia’s 16-match home winning streak in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. French second-tier player Rafiki Said scored in the second half in Rades, lifting Comoros to second place in Group A, just one point behind Tunisia. Comoros, known for upsets, now heads to Abidjan for the return match as they lack an international-standard stadium.
In other qualifiers, Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbeumo scored crucial goals for Egypt and Cameroon. Egypt faced stiff resistance from Mauritania in Cairo, breaking the deadlock with a goal from Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan in the 69th minute, followed by Salah’s strike ten minutes later. This win keeps Egypt at the top of Group C with nine points.
Cameroon, with five AFCON titles, beat Kenya 4-1 in Yaounde, aided by goals from Mbeumo, Vincent Aboubakar, Martin Hongla, and Christian Bassogog. Cameroon now leads Group J with seven points.
South Africa matched their record with a 5-0 win over Congo, thanks to a double from Teboho Mokoena, and goals from Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Foster, and Iqraam Rayners. However, South African coach Hugo Broos remains cautious, warning his team of a tough return match in Brazzaville.
Nigeria, under interim coach Augustin Eguavoen, clinched a late 1-0 win against Libya with a goal from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Playing without Victor Osimhen, Nigeria now tops Group D with seven points.
Elsewhere, Senegal defeated Malawi 4-0, with early goals from Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson. Malawi’s goalkeeper Brighton Munthali was sent off just 16 minutes into the match, paving the way for a dominant Senegalese performance. The AFCON qualifiers continue to intensify as teams vie for a place in the 2025 finals in Morocco.
