CAN 2027 qualifiers: Algeria and Morocco launch their campaign
The international football scene has resumed with the start of the qualifiers for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. In this opening matchday, several major African football nations made strong statements. Algeria managed to overcome Zambia with a 3-1 scoreline, while Morocco secured a controlled 2-0 victory against Gabon. Meanwhile, Mali delivered an impressive performance by defeating Cape Verde 3-1.
Algeria overpowers Zambia under a new cycle
Under the guidance of their new head coach Brahim Hemdani, the Algerian national team started their campaign brightly. Despite an early injury to Amine Gouiri, the Fennecs dominated the encounter. Hadjam opened the scoring rapidly in the second minute. Although Zambia temporarily equalized through Sakala in the second half, brilliant individual performances from Ibrahim Maza and substitute Anis Hadj Moussa allowed Algeria to regain control and seal a definitive 3-1 win.
Morocco controls Gabon to start the campaign
On the other side, the Moroccan national team also enjoyed a successful return to competition. Controlling the tempo of the game throughout, the Atlas Lions broke the deadlock thanks to a powerful strike from Noussair Mazraoui in the first half. Despite late pressure from the Gabonese side and attempts by Denis Bouanga well stopped by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Soufiane Rahimi secured the victory late in the match with a second goal, ensuring a clean 2-0 win.
Other notable results and upcoming fixtures
In other matches of the evening, Mali triumphed over Cape Verde 3-1 thanks to a brace from Dorgeles Nene. Elsewhere, Egypt and Angola played out a goalless draw, while Burkina Faso and Benin shared the points after a 1-1 draw. Teams will soon return to training ahead of the next round of fixtures in these competitive qualifiers.
Photo : Shawarmael7alouin — CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
