AFCON 2027 qualifying: Mali beat Cape Verde as Burkina Faso and Benin share points

The opening round of Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying continued on Friday with Mali defeating World Cup 2026 last-16 side Cape Verde, while Burkina Faso and Benin played out a 1-1 draw.

In Group F, Burkina Faso and Benin could not be separated at the Stade du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou.

Lassina Traore put Burkina Faso ahead from the penalty spot after 20 minutes, but Benin levelled through Aiyegun Tosin, who converted the second penalty of the match in the 68th minute.

The result leaves Burkina Faso second and Benin third in the group. Benin’s next match will be against Mauritania, while Burkina Faso will face the Central African Republic.

The two sides will be looking for their first victories of the campaign after sharing the points in their opening fixtures.

Mali make strong start under Anthony Da Silva

Mali began the Anthony Da Silva era with a convincing 3-1 home victory over Cape Verde at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.

Ange Martial Tia opened the scoring after only five minutes, but Cape Verde responded almost immediately. Sidny Lopes Cabral equalised five minutes later, in the 10th minute.

Mali regained control before half-time when Nene Dorgeles scored in the 39th minute. He added a second six minutes after the restart, completing the 3-1 win in the 51st minute.

The result puts Mali level with Rwanda at the top of Group K. Hamari Traore and his team will next play Liberia on Tuesday.

Angola hold Egypt in Cairo

Angola, managed by Aliou Cisse, secured a goalless draw against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium.

Egypt, featuring Mohamed Salah, were unable to break down an Angola side that claimed a valuable point away from home. The result leaves the Palancas Negras second in Group B.

Angola will return to home soil for their next fixture, against Malawi on 6 October in the second round of matches.