Matchday 3 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers produced thrillers and entertaining, competitive football as Africa’s nations went head-to-head for a share of the points on Thursday.
Algeria pulled off an impressive comeback against Togo, as they won 5-1 after falling behind early in the match. Riyad Mahrez and his compatriots showed relentlessness with Said Benrahma stealing the show with his brace.
The hosts made sure to take home all three points, and so did Zimbabwe on the other side of the continent. The Warriors won their match against Namibia 1-0, with Khama Billiat completing an emotional return to international football.
Namibia will be disappointed to remain at the bottom of the Group J standings following their impressive showing in their maiden Afcon earlier this year. The side still has not collected any points thus far.
Elsewhere, Ghana rued their missed chances in their encounter against Sudan which produced a 0-0 stalemate. Otto Addo’s men are now under immense pressure as they remain third on two points because of the result.
DR Congo won 1-0 against Tanzania earlier in the day and Botswana recorded a surprise victory with the same scoreline over Cape Verde.
Burkina Faso also impressed in their clash against Burundi, beating the country 4-1 at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpe Olympic Stadium, with Dango Outtara going all out to score a brace in the fixture.
Afcon Qualifiers results
Thursday, 10 October
Namibia 0-1 Zimbabwe
Cape Verde 0-1 Botswana
DR Congo 1-0 Tanzania
Ghana 0-0 Sudan
Burkina Faso 4-1 Burundi
Algeria 5-1 Togo