Equatorial Guinea edged past Liberia with a 1-0 win in their  Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier, thanks to a first-half penalty from Iban Salvador. 

The forward converted from the spot in the 34th minute after Sampson Dweh fouled Salvador inside the box.

This result moves Equatorial Guinea into second place in the group with four points from three matches, while Liberia remains rooted to the bottom with just one point from their three outings.

Algeria leads the group with a perfect nine points after three matches, and Togo is third with two points.

Despite Liberia pushing for an equalizer in the second half, they were unable to break down the Equatorial Guinean defense.

Several substitutions from both teams couldn’t alter the outcome, with Equatorial Guinea holding on for the vital three points.

Mozambique and Eswatini share the spoils in 1-1 draw

Mozambique and Eswatini played out a 1-1 draw in their AFCON Group I qualifier, with both teams finding the net in the second half. 

Mozambique took the lead in the 73rd minute through Stanley Ratifo, who slotted home from close range following a well-worked move.

Eswatini equalized just seven minutes later through Thubelihle Mavuso, whose left-footed effort found the top corner.

The result keeps Mozambique at the top of the group with five points from three matches, while Eswatini remain at the bottom with just one point.

Mali and Guinea Bissau, who each have games in hand, are closely trailing.

Both sides had chances to win the game late on, but neither could capitalize, leaving the group wide open as the teams prepare for their next fixtures.

Zambia and Chad play out goalless stalemate

Zambia and Chad played out a 0-0 draw in their Group G encounter at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Despite dominating possession, Chipolopolo failed to find the back of the net against a resilient Chad side, who were content to soak up pressure and counterattack when possible.

With this result, Zambia remains second in the group with four points from three matches, behind Cote d’Ivoire who lead with six points and a game in hand.

Chad, with two points, is third, and Sierra Leone is at the bottom with one point.

Zambia came closest to scoring when Francisco Mwepu hit the post in the 84th minute, but Chad’s defence held firm to secure a valuable point away from home.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria survived a scare from the Mediterranean Knights of Libya before eventually securing a 1-0 win in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series in Uyo on Friday evening.

The Libyans proved a hard nut to crack especially with their goalkeeper, Murad Abu Bakr Al Wuheesi who was in his best elements and made several saves.

Time after time, he frustrated many goal-scoring opportunities that were opened to the Super Eagles.

Also the Super Eagles missed many scoring chances that got the spectators edgy and Coach Austin Eguavoen frustrated. The first scoring opportunity was in the 10^th minute when a rebound found Alex Iwobi, but his shot was smothered by the Libyan goalkeeper.

Six minutes later, it was Victor Boniface’s turn to squander another goal opportunity. Next was the skipper, William Troost-Ekong getting another rebound, but he shot wide.

With the clock ticking and the Benin Republic in a simultaneous duel with Rwanda coasting comfortably home with a 3-0 defeat of Rwanda, the Super Eagles had to do everything to score against Libya.

At that point, Benin are taken over the leadership of Group D having amassed six points as against Nigeria’s five in a live table as the matches were on, desperation set in.

In the 83^rd minute, Ademola Lookman found the net, but his effort was ruled offside.  Four minutes later, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru connected a cross from Moses Simon to shoot Nigeria back into the top of Group D.

Dele-Bashiru was the one who helped Nigeria salvage a point in their World Cup qualifying duel with South Africa in Uyo last June.

Nigeria now travel to Libya to face Libya in a matchday encounter on Tuesday.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon roared to the top of Group J of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers on Friday afternoon after a commanding 4-1 victory over Kenya saw them go two points above Zimbabwe who overcame Namibia on Thursday.

Veteran goal poacher, Vincent Aboubakar opened the floodgates in the 8th minute with a converted penalty before Martin Hongla, Byan Mbeumo as well as Christian Bassogog completed the rout.

In Uyo, the Super Eagles left it till late to secure a full haul of points after being held by Libya throughout the match before Fisayo Dele-Bashiru eventually found the all-important winner to secure the victory for the 2013 African champions.

The result sees Nigeria lead Group D with a point ahead of Benin who demolished Rwanda 3-0 in a simultaneous match thanks to goals by Steve Mounie, Andreas Hountondji as well as Hassane Imourane.

The Ugandan Cranes continue in their fine form as they laboured to a 1-0 victory over South Sudan. The result puts them in a good position as they battle for the top spot with South Africa who play host to Congo.

In Cairo, The Pharaohs continued their dominance of Group C when they comfortably cruised past Mauritania by 2-0.

Goals by Trézéguet as well as the ever-green Mohamed Salah ensured the record African champions continue their winning streak.

Meanwhile, The Gambia managed to secure a crucial away point when they shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw with Madagascar.

The result still puts them within a touching distance of run-away Group A leaders, Tunisia who lead the pack with four points ahead of their match against Comoros.

CAF