Morocco and Algeria open AFCON 2027 bids with wins

Morocco and Algeria have taken early control of their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaigns with victories in their opening matches. Morocco, the last tournament’s runner-up, began its bid positively, while Algeria marked Brahim Hemdani’s first match in charge with a successful start. Angola also secured a result against Egypt under Aliou Cissé.

Morocco defeated Gabon 2-0, with Noussair Mazraoui breaking the deadlock in the 36th minute before Soufiane Rahimi added the second goal six minutes from time. The result gives the Atlas Lions an encouraging opening as they seek to return to the tournament’s latter stages.

Algeria overcame Zambia 3-1 after taking an early lead through Jaouen Hadjam in the second minute. Zambia levelled through Junior Fashion Sakala seven minutes after half-time, but Ibrahim Maza restored Algeria’s advantage in the 67th minute and Anis Hadj Moussa completed the win seven minutes later. The result gives Hemdani a positive beginning on the Fennecs bench.

In another opening-round fixture, Angola held Egypt to a draw in a competitive encounter, giving Cissé’s team a point against one of the continent’s leading sides. Burkina Faso and Benin also shared the points in Group F, where Lassina Traoré converted a 20th-minute penalty for Burkina Faso before Aiyegun Tosin equalised from the spot in the 68th minute.