Nigeria, Gabon and Libya recorded important victories on Friday, while South Africa were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Kenya as Matchday 3 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers continued.
The Super Eagles defeated Tanzania 3-1, Gabon secured a 2-0 win over Lesotho, while Libya claimed a 2-0 away victory against Tunisia.
Elsewhere, Burkina Faso edged Mauritania 1-0 with a late goal, while Cape Verde revived their qualifying campaign with a 4-2 victory over Liberia.
Kenya deny South Africa victory with late equaliser
South Africa surrendered their advantage in front of their home supporters after Kenya scored a late equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw in Soweto.
Bafana Bafana opened the scoring through an own goal by Amos Wandala in the first half, but Kenya responded when Michael Olunga converted a penalty to restore parity.
South Africa regained the lead through Relebohile Mofokeng, whose powerful volley found the roof of the net.
However, the hosts failed to hold on to their advantage as Ryan Ogam struck in the 90th minute to secure a point for Kenya.
Nigeria beat Tanzania to move up Group L
Nigeria returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania, climbing to second place in Group L.
Alhassan Yusuf put the Super Eagles ahead early in the encounter, but Alphonce Msangsa equalised for Tanzania.
Nigeria restored their lead shortly after the restart through Tolu Arokodare, who scored in the 52nd minute.
The striker completed his brace eight minutes later, securing all three points for Nigeria.
The result takes the Super Eagles to second place in the group, while Tanzania remain bottom.
Bouanga leads Gabon past Lesotho
Gabon moved level on points with Group A leaders Morocco after defeating Lesotho 2-0.
Denis Bouanga delivered the decisive performance, scoring both goals to earn the Panthers three valuable points.
The victory keeps Gabon in contention as they seek to improve their position in the group.
Libya defeat Tunisia to take Group H lead
Libya recorded an impressive 2-0 away win over Tunisia to move to the top of Group H.
Ali Yousef Al Musrati gave the visitors an early lead with a goal in the fourth minute before Hamdou El Houni doubled their advantage in the 62nd minute.
The victory lifted Libya above their opponents in the group standings.
Burkina Faso snatch late win against Mauritania
Burkina Faso secured a 1-0 victory over Mauritania through a stoppage-time goal from Elohim Kaboré.
The Stallions looked set to share the points with their opponents until Kaboré struck in the closing moments to seal the win.
The result takes Burkina Faso level on points with Group F leaders Benin, leaving the qualification contest closely fought.
Cape Verde record first qualifying victory
Cape Verde secured their first win of the qualifying campaign with a 4-2 triumph over Liberia.
Ayoni Santos opened the scoring for the hosts before Franklin Nyenetue brought Liberia level.
Dje Tavares restored Cape Verde’s lead, while Dailon Livramento extended their advantage before half-time.
The hosts continued to press after the break, with Derensili Fernandes scoring in the 90th minute to complete the 4-2 victory and earn Cape Verde their first three points of the qualifiers.
The result gives the island nation a boost as they seek to build momentum in their remaining matches.