Côte d’Ivoire and Mali advance as Cameroon are held

Côte d’Ivoire and Mali made significant progress in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, while Cameroon surrendered part of their advantage at the top of Group G. The Ivorians and Malians both secured victories to reach six points, but Cameroon could only draw and now face a tighter contest for first place.

Côte d’Ivoire beat Somalia 2-0 in Group C. Yann Gboho opened the scoring before Bazoumana Touré added the second goal, giving the Elephants their second win of the campaign. The result moved Côte d’Ivoire level with Gambia, who also have six points at the top of the group. Ghana and Somalia remain without a point after the latest matches.

Mali recorded a narrower success in Group K, winning 1-0 away to Liberia. The victory took Mali to six points and placed them alongside Rwanda at the head of the section. Mali’s result maintained their perfect record and ensured they matched Rwanda’s early total in the group standings.

Cameroon were held to a 1-1 draw by Congo in Group G after conceding first in the 24th minute. The equaliser came shortly before the hour through an own goal by Melvin Zinga, allowing the Indomitable Lions to avoid defeat. Cameroon remain leaders, but their margin has fallen to one point over Comoros and Namibia. The draw therefore leaves the group leader under greater pressure in the next stage of qualifying.