Full Breakdown
Opening Day of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 Qualifiers
By Drooid · · How we work
Match Results and Key Moments
On the first matchday, DR Congo began Group E with a 2-0 home victory over Equatorial Guinea. Captain Chancel Mbemba headed the opening goal in the fourth minute, and Yoane Wissa added a second in the 72nd minute. In Group F, Mauritania defeated the Central African Republic 3-1, with Aboubakary Koïta converting a penalty, Dawda Camara restoring the lead, and Mamadou Diallo completing the scoring. Group H saw Libya recover from two goals down to draw 2-2 with Botswana after a stoppage-time penalty by Ezoo El Mariamy.
Notable Performances
Mbemba’s early header set the tone for DR Congo, while Wissa’s late finish sealed the win. Mauritania’s Dawda Camara provided a “superb chipped effort” that highlighted the team’s attacking edge. For Botswana, striker Tumisang Orebonye’s brace gave the visitors a strong early advantage before Libya’s comeback.
Stadium Restrictions and Context
The DR Congo match at Kinshasa’s Stade des Martyrs was limited to 20,000 spectators due to sanctions imposed after fan violence in a previous World Cup qualifier against Senegal. Similar restrictions applied in Tripoli, where Libya’s game was played behind closed doors following earlier supporter incidents.
Implications for the Qualification Race
The opening victories give DR Congo and Mauritania three points each, positioning them early as contenders in their respective groups. Libya’s point salvaged from a comeback may boost confidence despite the draw, while Botswana’s loss leaves them with a single point.
Upcoming Fixtures
All 48 participating nations will continue their campaigns through the week, with each group playing additional matches to determine the qualifiers for next year’s finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.