AFCON 2023 MD 1: News, updates, results and fixtures.

The hosts Ivory Coast kicked off with a win against Guinea Bissau 2-0. Goals were scored by Seko Fofona and Krasso Jean Philippe both in the 4th and 58th minute respectively.

This grew their confidence as they prepare for match day 2 against Nigeria who drew against Equatorial Guinea. Victor Osimhen’s goal in the 38th minute gave the Super Eagles a point, the results they didn’t expect.

Ghana was left shocked after Rodrigues Garry’s goal in the 90th minute to give Cape Verde three points, they are top of Group B with group favorites Egypt drew with Mozambique, M. Salah’s penalty conversion from the spot kick saved the day for the Pharaohs.

Ebou Adams got the first red card of the tournament after his tackle leaving his team to ten. Pape Gueye opened Senegal’s count with an assist from Sadio Mane in the 4th minute.

Lamine Camara scored a brace, the two goals were scored in the 52nd and 86th minute to hand Senegal a comfortable win and three points.

Cameroon had a poor start of the tournament with a draw against 10-man Guinea, game ended 1-1. Mohamed Bayo scored in 10th minute to put Guinea ahead before Magri Frank leveling it out in the 51st minute.

Francois Kamano was shown a red card over a reckless challenge before half time. Guinea didn’t have their talismanic striker, Serhou Guirassy due to injury. Andre Onana didn’t take part in the game even though he reached earlier before the game..

Two time champions Algeria were shocked after their draw with the Antelopes (Angola). Algeria was the first to score, thanks to Al-sadd man Baghdad Bounedjah’s goal in the 18th minute.

Mabululu leveled it up from the spot kick to give his team a point from the African giants in the 68th minute.

Group D leaders Burkina Faso opened their campaign with a 1-0 win against Mauritania. Bertrand Traore’s penalty in the 90th minute secured all three points for Burkina Faso.

Namibia beat Tunisia in Korhogo to secure their first-ever win in the AFCON 1-0, thanks to Deon Hotto’s goal in the 88th minute. This win boosted the Brave Warriors confidence in this year’s tournament.

Tunisia are looking to bounce back from their loss as they play against Mali that went ahead to beat Bafana Bafana 2-0. Goals from Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko in the 60th and 66th minute respectively secured three points.

Mali are unbeaten in their 13 Africa Cup of Nations opening games after a win against South Africa at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly stadium.

Two games remaining to end Round 1 of the AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast. The Atlas Lions will take on Tanzania who are looking for their first-ever win at the tournament.

Will the Tiafa Stars give hard time to Morocco tonight or it will be an easy game for Morocco to win? Tanzania has won once against Morocco in the last five games they have played against each other.

They are both in the same group for the World Cup 2026 Qualification, with The Atlas Lion winning 2-0 in Dar es Salaam.

Last game of Round 1 will be against Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. Zambia are making an appearance in the AFCON finals first time since 2015.

Both games between these two teams have tight with their last game against each other ended in a draw 1-1 in 2015 in the Africa Cup of Nations 15 where Zambia was last in Group B.

They meet again this year in the same group with Morocco and Tanzania.

Fixtures:

Today;

Morocco vs Tanzania, 8pm EAT

D.R. Congo vs Zambia, 11pm EAT

Round 2:

Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea Bissau

Ivory Coast vs Nigeria

Egypt vs Ghana

Cape Verde vs Mozambique

Senegal vs Cameroon

Guinea vs Gambia

Algeria vs Burkina Faso

Mauritania vs Angola

Tunisia vs Mali

Morocco vs D.R. Congo

Zambia vs Tanzania

South Africa vs Namibia.

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