PAMOJA 2027: Battle for Group Control Begins on Matchday Two as Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire Start With Wins
The race for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 moves into Matchday Two with several of Africa’s leading nations seeking to turn winning starts into early control of their groups.
Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire all collected maximum points in the opening round, while Egypt and Senegal were held to draws. The second matchday now offers the first opportunity for the early winners to strengthen their positions and for the teams that dropped points to respond.
Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau test
Nigeria began their Group L campaign with a 2–1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
Madagascar took an early lead before George Ilenikhena levelled for the Super Eagles, with Moses Usor completing the comeback in the second half to secure three points.
Guinea-Bissau also opened with a victory, defeating Tanzania 2–0 away from home. Their meeting with Nigeria therefore carries added significance, with both sides looking to establish an early advantage in the group.
Tanzania, as one of the 2027 co-hosts, already have a guaranteed place at the finals, leaving the remaining contenders to battle for the qualifying position available from the group.
Côte d’Ivoire make strong start
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire opened Group C with a 2–0 victory over Ghana in Bouaké.
Mohamed Yalcouyé broke the deadlock before Franck Kessié converted from the penalty spot to secure the Elephants’ first three points.
Ghana now face The Gambia, while Côte d’Ivoire travel to Somalia as both sides pursue contrasting objectives after the opening round.
Morocco and Algeria maintain winning momentum
Morocco also started with a 2–0 victory, overcoming Gabon through goals from Noussair Mazraoui and Soufiane Rahimi.
The Atlas Lions now face Lesotho away from home, with Niger also on three points after their 2–1 victory over Lesotho in the opening round.
In Group I, Algeria recovered from Zambia’s second-half equaliser to win 3–1.
Jaouen Hadjam opened the scoring before Fashion Sakala restored parity for Zambia. Algeria responded through Ibrahim Maza and Anis Hadj Moussa to claim the points.
Their next assignment is an away encounter with Burundi.
Egypt, Senegal seek first victories
Two of the continent’s traditional heavyweights will enter Matchday Two looking for their first wins.
Egypt were held to a goalless draw by Angola in Cairo, while Senegal surrendered the lead in a 1–1 draw with Mozambique.
Egypt travel to South Sudan, while Senegal face Ethiopia, with both teams under pressure to convert their next opportunities into victories.
Matchday Two brings heavyweight tests
The second round features several potentially significant encounters, including:
- Lesotho vs Morocco
- Ghana vs The Gambia
- Somalia vs Côte d’Ivoire
- Burundi vs Algeria
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
- Congo vs Cameroon
- Liberia vs Mali
- Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria
- Madagascar vs Tanzania
For the teams that won their opening matches, another three points would provide valuable momentum. For those who stumbled, the second round offers an immediate chance to get their campaigns back on track.
Nigeria’s Group L battle takes centre stage
The Guinea-Bissau–Nigeria encounter is among the standout fixtures of Matchday Two.
Both sides have three points, setting up an early contest for the initiative in Group L. Nigeria will also be aware that the group’s qualification dynamics are different because Tanzania are already assured of a place as co-hosts.
For the Super Eagles, the objective is therefore not simply to avoid defeat but to build a strong position before the qualifiers resume later in the year.
With the opening round now complete, the early contenders have emerged. Matchday Two will begin to show which teams can sustain their momentum and which will have to fight their way back into contention.
The PAMOJA 2027 qualification race is gathering pace, and the battle for group control starts in earnest.
