5 Biggest Surprises From the Start of the 2027 AFCON Qualifiers: The Breakout Teams
These national teams have been the biggest surprises of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, securing unexpected results against some of African football’s top sides and showcasing an impressive level of play. Don’t miss them!
The opening round of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers delivered several surprises. While some of Africa’s biggest national teams dropped points, sides that were not considered favorites took advantage of their opponents’ struggles to put themselves in strong positions.
Here are the five biggest surprises from the latest international break in Africa.
5. MOZAMBIQUE: HOLDS SENEGAL AND THEN THRASHES SUDAN
Mozambique opened its campaign with a statement result, drawing 1-1 with Senegal in Maputo. The Mambas held their own against the reigning African champions, who took the lead through Nicolas Jackson, before Geny Catamo equalized in first-half stoppage time.
Goalkeeper Ernan Siluane also played a key role in keeping the hosts in the game.
The surprise grew even bigger on matchday two, when Mozambique thrashed Sudan 4-1.
The Mambas now have four points and have already taken advantage of Senegal’s stumble in Patrick Vieira’s first match in charge.
Mozambique did qualify for the 2025 AFCON, although its campaign ended in the round of 16.
4. UGANDA: HOLDS TUNISIA AWAY FROM HOME AND REACHES FOUR POINTS
Uganda earned a valuable 1-1 draw against Tunisia on the road. The Tunisians took the lead through Adem Arous, but Rogers Mato equalized in the 68th minute.
Veteran goalkeeper Denis Onyango also produced several important saves to keep the Cranes in the game.
Uganda then defeated Libya 1-0 thanks to a goal from Arnold Vula, taking its tally to four points.
The situation is a unique one for Uganda: the team has already secured its place at the 2027 AFCON because it is one of the tournament’s co-hosts alongside Kenya and Tanzania.
Uganda also participated in the 2025 AFCON, although it failed to advance beyond the group stage.
3. RWANDA: TWO WINS, INCLUDING A COMEBACK AGAINST CAPE VERDE
Rwanda is one of the teams that made the most of the opening round. The Amavubi first defeated Liberia 3-1 before coming from behind away from home to beat Cape Verde 2-1.
Cape Verde entered the match with the momentum of having qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Rwanda had several key performers. Leroy-Jacques Mickels scored against Liberia, while Claude Niyomugabo and Elie Iradukunda Tatou completed the comeback in Praia.
With six points from six, Rwanda also took advantage of Cape Verde’s poor start, with the Blue Sharks losing both of their opening matches.
Rwanda did not qualify for the 2025 AFCON, making this start an important opportunity to return to the continental tournament. The Amavubi have only appeared at the AFCON once in their history, at Tunisia 2004.
2. GAMBIA: COMES FROM 2-0 DOWN TO STUN GHANA
The biggest comeback of the opening round came from Gambia.
After beating Somalia 2-1, the Scorpions stunned Ghana in Accra by coming from 2-0 down to win 4-2.
Muhammed Badamosi started the comeback from the penalty spot, while Omar Colley equalized before halftime. After the break, Ebrima Colley scored twice to complete the stunning turnaround.
Gambia now has six points and has directly capitalized on Ghana’s struggles, with the Black Stars losing their first two matches.
The Scorpions did not participate in the 2025 AFCON and are now looking to return to Africa’s premier international tournament after their appearance in the 2023 edition.
1. GUINEA-BISSAU: THRASHES AFRICAN POWERHOUSE NIGERIA TO TAKE CONTROL
Guinea-Bissau produced the most emphatic result of the opening round.
After beating Tanzania 2-0 in their opening match, the Djurtus stunned Nigeria with a 3-0 victory, taking them to six points and the top of Group L.
Franculino Djú opened the scoring, Mama Baldé doubled the lead and Álvaro Djaló sealed the victory in stoppage time.
The result is even more significant because Nigeria had opened its campaign with a win over Madagascar and boasts a squad with considerably more international experience.
Guinea-Bissau did not qualify for the 2025 AFCON and now has an important opportunity to return to the tournament, having last competed in the 2023 edition. Tanzania, meanwhile, has already qualified as one of the co-hosts.
The opening round has left Guinea-Bissau, Gambia and Rwanda on six points, while Mozambique and Uganda have also made strong starts by taking points against higher-profile opponents.
The qualifiers are only getting started, but these results have already changed the picture in several groups.
KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THE OPENING ROUND
- GUINEA-BISSAU STUNNED NIGERIA: The Djurtus won 3-0 and collected six points from their opening two matches.
- GAMBIA CAME FROM 2-0 DOWN AGAINST GHANA: The Scorpions produced one of the biggest surprises by overturning a two-goal deficit to win 4-2 in Accra.
- RWANDA AND MOZAMBIQUE ALSO IMPRESSED: Rwanda defeated Cape Verde, while Mozambique drew with Senegal before thrashing Sudan.
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