Comoros achieved a surprising 1-0 victory over Tunisia in AFCON qualifiers, marking Tunisia’s first home loss in over ten years. Senegal triumphed over 10-man Malawi with a 4-0 scoreline, bolstered by Sadio Mané’s contributions. Mali and Angola also secured vital wins in their matches, enhancing their chances of qualifying.
In an unexpected turn of events, Comoros stunned Tunisia with a 1-0 victory during the AFCON qualifying match held at the Rades Olympic Stadium. This win marked Tunisia’s first defeat at home in over ten years within the framework of AFCON qualifiers, while it represents Comoros’ inaugural triumph in the current qualifying series. Despite being heavily favored to win, Tunisia, who had secured victories in their initial two matches, was unable to penetrate the resolute Comoros defense and squandered significant possession—over 70 percent—along with numerous attempts at goal. The decisive moment occurred in the 63rd minute when Rafiki Said netted the only goal for Comoros with a right-footed strike. Simultaneously, Senegal enjoyed a commanding performance against 10-man Malawi, winning 4-0. The match took a turn early on when Brighton Munthali received a red card for a foul committed against Sadio Mané in the 16th minute. The Senegalese team capitalized on this advantage, with Pape Guèye opening the scoring in the 35th minute via a powerful shot from distance. Sadio Mané then extended the lead with his 45th international goal in the 69th minute, followed by Boulaya Dia scoring two minutes later. Nicolas Jackson capped the scoring in the 77th minute, marking his first goal for the national squad after 17 appearances. In other fixtures, Mali secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau, thanks to a goal from El Bilal Touré in the 62nd minute, preserving their position in a competitive qualifying group. Furthermore, Angola triumphed over Niger with a 2-0 result, scoring both goals in the second half—Mabululu converted a penalty in the 75th minute, followed by Milson scoring ten minutes later to confirm their dominance in the match.
The AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) qualifiers are crucial for teams seeking a place in the prestigious tournament. The matches not only highlight emerging talents within national teams but also showcase the pressure and stakes involved for teams competing on the international stage. Tunisia, having had a history of success in previous AFCON tournaments, was expected to perform well against underdog Comoros, making their defeat particularly noted. Meanwhile, Senegal, known for its strong football lineage and competitive spirit, continued to assert its dominance in the qualifiers. Each match plays a vital role in determining standings and could influence team morale and confidence moving forward in the tournament.
The outcomes of these AFCON qualifying matches reflect the unpredictability and excitement inherent in international football. Comoros’ stunning victory over Tunisia underscores the significance of determination and tactical execution, while Senegal’s decisive win exemplifies the impact of playing with numerical advantage. Additionally, Mali and Angola’s respective victories contribute to their aspirations for qualification, emphasizing the competitive nature of the AFCON qualifiers.
Original Source: businessday.ng
