Botswana secured a crucial 1-0 away win against Cape Verde in their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group C qualifier on Thursday, with Tumisang Orebonye scoring an early goal. Orebonye struck just two minutes into the match, finishing a well-timed through ball from Kabelo Seakanyeng with a powerful shot into the top corner.
The victory brings Botswana level with Cape Verde on three points, with both teams having played three matches. Egypt leads the group with six points from two games, while Mauritania, with one point, will face Egypt on Friday, aiming to close the gap.
Despite Cape Verde dominating possession and creating several chances, Botswana’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, held firm. Late efforts from Fabrício Garcia and Jovane Cabral were close, but Botswana preserved their lead, leaving Cape Verde frustrated and their qualification hopes uncertain.
DR Congo Edges Tanzania in Group H
DR Congo continued their perfect run in Group H with a 1-0 win over Tanzania at Stade des Martyrs, thanks to a second-half own goal by Clement Mzize. The unfortunate mishap occurred in the 53rd minute when Mzize deflected a Congo cross into his own net, handing the hosts the advantage.
The win takes DR Congo to nine points from three matches, securing their spot at the top of the group. Tanzania remains second with four points, while Ethiopia and Guinea, both winless so far, sit third and fourth ahead of their clash on Saturday.
Tanzania had several chances to score, with Mbwana Samatta and Feisal Salum testing the DR Congo defense, but the hosts stood resilient. Arthur Masuaku nearly doubled Congo’s lead, hitting the crossbar from a free-kick late in the game. Tanzania now faces a crucial match to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Ghana Held to a Goalless Draw by Sudan
Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign took a hit as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Sudan at the Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous opportunities, the Black Stars failed to break through Sudan’s defense.
Ghana now sits third in Group F with two points from three matches, while Sudan’s point lifts them to second with four points. Angola tops the group with six points, and Niger remains bottom with one point. Angola will take on Niger on Friday.
Ghana came close to scoring through Mohammed Kudus and Iñaki Williams, but Sudan’s defense, led by goalkeeper Mohamed Al Mustafa, held strong. Despite late pressure from the Black Stars, Sudan managed to keep the game goalless, leaving Ghana frustrated as their qualification chances falter.
