Guinea and Senegal claimed important wins as the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resumed on Wednesday with five matches across the continent, while Comoros continue to be the surprise package of their group.
Senegal moved to within touching distance of qualification after claiming a third straight win in Group I, as goals from Sadio Mane and Opa Nguette took them to a 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau in Thies.
In Conakry, Guinea took control of Group A with a 1-0 win over Chad – courtesy of a goal from Mady Camara – taking them to seven points, though Mali could draw level when they tackle Namibia on Friday.
In Group G, Comoros continue to be the surprise leaders, as they held Kenya to a 1-1 draw in Karasani despite playing most of their match with 10 men. Youssouf M’Changama both scored and was sent off for Les Coelacantes, but the Harambee Stars hit back through Masoud Juma for their third straight draw.
Mauritania lead the way in Group E but will perhaps be disappointed at playing to a 1-1 home draw with Burundi in Nouakchott. Al Murabitun claimed the lead through Bakary N’Diaye, but allowed two points to slip away when Saidi Ntibazonkiza levelled the game late on.
Finally, Libya were beaten 3-2 by Equatorial Guinea in the late match. Sanad Al Warfali and Mohamed Bettamer netted for the Mediterranean Knights after Miranda Josete had given Nzalang Nacional the lead in the first half, and the West Africans claimed all three points thanks to injury-time goals from Pedro Obiang and Salomon Obama.
The result sees Equatorial Guinea rack up their first points in Group J – joining Tanzania and Libya on three – with Tunisia (six) having the chance to stretch their lead on Friday night when they host the Taifa Stars.
