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The opening rounds of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying delivered a string of stunning upsets on Tuesday, with some of the continent’s most celebrated football programs stumbling against lesser-ranked opponents.
Ghana’s collapse was particularly dramatic. The former continental champions led by two goals at home in Accra but conceded twice in each half, ultimately falling 4-2 to Gambia in Group C. Ebrima Colley scored twice in the second half to seal the victory for the Scorpions, leaving Ghana in last place in their qualifying group after also losing their opening match to Ivory Coast.
Nigeria’s defeat proved even more humiliating. Playing away to Guinea-Bissau in Group L, the Super Eagles fell behind after just 15 minutes and never recovered, losing 3-0 to a nation ranked 106 places lower in the world standings. Without injured star Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s attack proved ineffective as Guinea-Bissau’s Franculino Dju, Mama Balde, and substitute Alvaro Djalo each found the net.
Cape Verde’s loss was particularly poignant given their recent success. The island nation had captured global attention at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, holding eventual champions Spain to a draw and taking Lionel Messi-inspired Argentina to extra time in the round of 32. But in Group K qualifying, they surrendered a lead at home to Rwanda and fell 2-1, with Elie Tatou scoring the winner seven minutes after halftime.
Algeria, a two-time AFCON champion, also stumbled, trailing by two goals in Burundi before forcing a 2-2 draw in Group I. More predictable results came elsewhere, with Morocco, Senegal, and Egypt all winning away matches. Egypt’s 5-0 victory over South Sudan came without captain Mohamed Salah, whom the team rested due to concerns about injury on the artificial surface in Juba.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign marks the path to the continent’s premier national team competition. Ghana failed to qualify for the last AFCON tournament, while Cape Verde had missed the previous edition before qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, where they finished ahead of Cameroon.
Sources and attribution
- Jamaica Observer
- Ghana vs Gambia: Africa Cup of Nations Qualification stats …
- Nigeria and Ghana stunned as AFCON qualifying delivers major shocks
- Ghana, Nigeria and Cape Verde crash in AFCON qualifying
- Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET): Messi through as holders …
- Cape Verde's historic World Cup ride ends after pushing …
- Cape Verde vs Rwanda: Africa Cup of Nations …
- Egypt right the ship – Sports – Al-Ahram Weekly
- Hassan says ‘we cannot depend on one player’ after Egypt thrash South Sudan without Salah
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