Côte d’Ivoire lead Group C after second CAN-2027 win

Côte d’Ivoire and Mali have strengthened their positions in the CAN-2027 qualifying campaign with victories away from home on the second matchday. Both sides have won their opening two matches and sit on six points. Cameroon remain at the top of Group G despite being held, while Mauritania have lost for the first time after beginning the qualifiers with a victory.

The Elephants beat Somalia 2-0 after a late decisive spell. Yan Gboho opened the scoring in the 89th minute, and Bazoumana Touré added the second in the fourth minute of stoppage time. Côte d’Ivoire now share the lead in Group C with Gambia, who also have six points.

Mali claimed a 1-0 victory in Monrovia against Liberia. Ange Tia scored the only goal in the 79th minute, lifting the Eagles to first place in Group K on six points. Rwanda have the same total after defeating Cape Verde 2-1 in Praia. The result leaves Mali level with Rwanda at the top of the section.

Cameroon drew 1-1 with Congo but kept first place in Group G with four points. In Group F, Benin defeated Mauritania 2-1, ending the Mourabitounes’ winning start that began with a victory over the Central African Republic. Gabon also moved their campaign forward in Group A by beating Niger 2-0.