AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Nigeria, Ghana Lose as Rwanda, Guinea-Bissau Stay Perfect
Tuesday brought losses for both Nigeria and Ghana in the race to reach the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Eagles going down 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau and the Black Stars beaten 4-2 by The Gambia.
Guinea-Bissau's win came in Group L, while The Gambia's success was in Group C. Both victors now sit on six points from two games, leaving Nigeria and Ghana under early pressure in their sections. The details were published in a post-match release on the CAF website.
Nigeria 0-3 Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau dealt Nigeria's hopes of following up their opening win over Madagascar a serious blow by running out 3-0 winners.
Franculino broke the deadlock on 15 minutes, and Mama Baldé made it two midway through the second period. Álvaro Djaló wrapped up the scoring in the fifth minute of added time.
It was a second win in a row for Guinea-Bissau, who had earlier beaten co-hosts Tanzania 2-0 away. Nigeria, who had opened with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar, were unable to mount a similar fightback this time.
Because Tanzania already have a place at the 2027 finals as a co-host, only the best-placed side among Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Madagascar will progress from Group L.
Ghana 2-4 The Gambia
Ghana also took a damaging result, squandering a two-goal advantage against The Gambia.
Ernest Nuamah put Ghana in front from the penalty spot on 27 minutes, and Felix Afena-Gyan made it 2-0 six minutes later. The Gambia hit back swiftly, though, as Muhammed Badamosi scored a penalty on 37 minutes and Omar Colley levelled five minutes afterwards, sending the sides in at the break at 2-2.
Ebrima Colley then put The Gambia ahead for the first time on 68 minutes and added another in stoppage time to complete a 4-2 win. The Gambia have six points from two games, having also seen off Somalia 2-1 in their opener. Ghana, in contrast, have now lost both of their first two qualifiers, after going down 2-0 away to Côte d'Ivoire.
Rwanda keep perfect record
As Nigeria and Ghana faltered, Rwanda preserved their 100 percent record by winning 2-1 away to Cape Verde in Group K.
Benchimol put Cape Verde ahead five minutes before the interval, but Claude Niyomugabo levelled in first-half stoppage time. Elie Iradukunda Tatou then sealed Rwanda's comeback seven minutes after the restart.
Rwanda had begun with a 3-1 win over Liberia and now have six points. Cape Verde remain without a point, having also lost 3-1 to Mali in their first fixture.
Zambia bounce back
Zambia responded to their opening defeat by Algeria with a 2-0 victory over Togo in Group I.
Albert Kangwanda gave Zambia the lead after just three minutes, finishing off a Fashion Sakala assist. Substitute Eliya Mandanji then made sure of the win in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
Zambia now have three points, while Togo also stay on three points after their opening win over Burundi.
Uganda edge Libya
Co-hosts Uganda also claimed their first win, beating Libya 1-0 in Group H.
Arnold Vula scored the only goal in first-half stoppage time, giving Uganda four points from their first two matches. Uganda had started with a 1-1 draw away to Tunisia. Libya remain on one point after their opening 2-2 draw with Botswana.
CAF has stated that the 48 teams in the qualifiers are split into 12 groups of four. From groups that include co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania or Uganda, the highest-placed non-host nation qualifies, with those three countries already assured of places at the 2027 finals.
Tuesday's results mean Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia and Rwanda are among the sides with perfect starts, while Nigeria and Ghana must recover quickly as the qualifying campaign unfolds.
Matchdays 3 and 4 of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers will take place during the November 2026 FIFA international window, from November 9 to 17, 2026. After Tuesday's Matchday 2 fixtures, the qualifiers pause for about six weeks before resuming in November. Matchdays 5 and 6 are scheduled for March 22 to 30, 2027.
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