In a dramatic round of AFCON qualifiers, Comoros shocked Tunisia with a 1-0 victory, ending Tunisia’s long-standing home unbeaten streak. Senegal showcased their prowess by defeating 10-man Malawi 4-0, while Mali and Angola secured narrow wins in their respective matches, keeping their qualifying hopes alive.
In a surprising turn of events during the AFCON qualifiers, Comoros secured a remarkable 1-0 victory over Tunisia at the Rades Olympic Stadium. This win marked Tunisia’s first home defeat in over ten years in an AFCON qualifying match, while Comoros celebrated their inaugural victory in this round of qualifiers. Despite dominating possession with over 70% and numerous attempts on goal, Tunisia struggled to penetrate the steadfast Comorian defense. The pivotal moment arrived in the 63rd minute when Rafiki Said delivered a right-footed strike, securing Comoros’ stunning upset. Meanwhile, Senegal delivered a commanding performance against 10-man Malawi, winning comfortably with a scoreline of 4-0. The match turned in Senegal’s favor early when Brighton Munthali was dismissed for a foul on the illustrious Sadio Mané in the 16th minute. Senegal’s scoring commenced with Pape Guèye’s powerful strike from outside the box in the 35th minute. Subsequent goals included Sadio Mané’s 45th goal for Senegal in the 69th minute, followed by Boulaya Dia’s strike just two minutes later. Nicolas Jackson completed the rout in the 77th minute, registering his first international goal in 17 appearances. In other matches, Mali edged past Guinea-Bissau with a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of El Bilal Touré’s goal in the 62nd minute. Despite facing challenges in breaking down their opponents, this result keeps Mali well-positioned in their qualifying group. Additionally, Angola triumphed over Niger with a 2-0 scoreline, with both goals coming in the second half. Mabululu converted a penalty in the 75th minute, while Milson sealed the win with a second goal ten minutes later. Niger’s attempts were stifled throughout the match, preventing any serious threat to Angola’s defense.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers are critical fixtures that determine which national teams will compete in the prestigious tournament. In 2025, notable matches have seen unexpected results, reflecting the growing competitiveness among African nations in football. Tunisia, a historically strong team, faced an unanticipated defeat from Comoros, while Senegal, another powerhouse, showcased its capabilities against a disadvantaged Malawi team. Such results emphasize the evolving landscape of African football, where emerging teams can challenge established ones.
In summary, the recent AFCON qualifying matches highlighted significant upsets and dominant performances. Comoros’ victory over Tunisia underscored the unpredictability within the tournament, while Senegal’s comprehensive defeat of Malawi showcased their strength and depth. Additionally, Mali and Angola’s wins reinforce their aspirations in this competitive qualifying process. These matches not only impact the respective teams’ standings but also enhance the narrative of football development across the African continent.
Original Source: businessday.ng
