Ethiopia claimed a late 1-0 victory in Mozambique to boost their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualifying campaign, while Burundi struck back late to draw 1-1 with Zambia in front of a capacity crowd.
Canaan Markneh scored in the 87th minute to give Ethiopia three points in Group J. In Group I, Jean Girumugisha’s late equaliser prevented Zambia from securing a home win.
Comoros and Congo were held to a goalless draw in Group G, leaving both nations needing improved results in their remaining matches.
Mozambique 0-1 Ethiopia
Ethiopia secured a valuable away win when Canaan Markneh found the net three minutes before the end of normal time.
The match had remained goalless through the opening half and for most of the second period, with neither side able to create a decisive breakthrough. Markneh eventually converted Ethiopia’s late opportunity to settle the contest.
The defeat is a setback for Mozambique, who began the match with four points from their first two games and had been aiming to strengthen their position in Group J.
Ethiopia’s victory, meanwhile, gives them an important three-point boost in the qualification race. The teams will meet again on 17 November, when Mozambique will look to respond and revive their campaign.
Zambia 1-1 Burundi
Zambia appeared on course for victory after Edward Chilufya put them ahead in the 65th minute, but Burundi levelled late to claim a point.
Playing in front of a capacity crowd, the Chipolopolo took the lead after Albert Kangwanda created the opening for Chilufya. The forward finished with a low shot beyond Burundi goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana.
The goal prompted celebrations among the home supporters as Zambia sought to protect their advantage and collect three important points.
Burundi continued to press and were rewarded in the 83rd minute when Jean Girumugisha scored the equaliser. His goal silenced the crowd and ensured the visitors left with a valuable draw.
Zambia will be disappointed after allowing their lead to slip, while Burundi can take encouragement from their late recovery. The sides meet again on Tuesday, 17 November, with Group I points still at stake.
Comoros 0-0 Congo
Comoros and Congo could not find a goal at the Stade Omnisports de Malouzini in Moroni, sharing the points after a match in which neither team produced the decisive moment.
Both sides made changes in an effort to break the deadlock, but the first half ended goalless and the second period brought no breakthrough either.
Comoros had been hoping to build on their earlier victory over Namibia, having taken three points from their opening two qualifiers. Congo were seeking their first win after losing to Namibia and drawing with Cameroon.
The result leaves Comoros with four points from three matches, while Congo move to two. Both remain in contention, although they need stronger results in the games ahead.
The return fixture in Brazzaville on 17 November will therefore be important to both sides’ qualification hopes.
