Botswana secured a vital 1-0 away victory against Cape Verde in their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group C qualifier on Thursday, thanks to an early goal by Tumisang Orebonye.
The forward found the net just two minutes into the match, capitalizing on a quick break and a precise through ball from Kabelo Seakanyeng to send a powerful shot into the top corner.
The win lifts Botswana to three points, tying them with Cape Verde, who have also accumulated three points from three games.
Egypt tops the group with six points from two matches, while Mauritania, with one point, will play Egypt on Friday, hoping to close the gap.
Cape Verde pushed hard for an equalizer, dominating possession and creating numerous chances, but Botswana’s resolute defense, led by Goitseone Phoko in goal, held firm.
Fabrício Garcia and Jovane Cabral came close to scoring late in the game, but Botswana managed to see out the win, leaving Cape Verde frustrated as their hopes of advancing now hang in the balance.
DR Congo edge Tanzania in Group H
DR Congo maintained their perfect record in Group H with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania at Stade des Martyrs, thanks to a second-half own goal by Clement Mzize.
The mishap occurred in the 53rd minute when Mzize inadvertently deflected a Congo cross into his own net, giving the hosts a crucial lead.
This win propels DR Congo to nine points from three matches, firmly establishing them at the top of the group.
Tanzania, meanwhile, remains in second place with four points, while Ethiopia and Guinea, both yet to win a game, sit in third and fourth, respectively, ahead of their upcoming clash on Saturday.
The match was a tense affair, with Tanzania creating chances but failing to convert.
Mbwana Samatta and Feisal Salum tested the DR Congo defense, but the hosts stood strong, while Arthur Masuaku nearly doubled the lead for Congo, hitting the bar from a free-kick late in the second half.
The result leaves Tanzania needing a positive result in their next match to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Ghana held to a goalless draw by Sudan
Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign stuttered again as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Sudan at Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Ghana could not find a breakthrough.
The Black Stars now sit third in Group F with just two points from three matches, while Sudan’s point lifts them to second with four points.
Angola leads the group with six points from two games, while Niger is bottom with one point. Angola will face Niger on Friday.
In a frustrating match for Ghana, Mohammed Kudus and Iñaki Williams came closest to scoring, but Sudan’s defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Mohamed Al Mustafa, stood firm.
Ghana’s attacking players struggled to break down a resolute Sudanese side that managed to keep the game scoreless despite intense late pressure.