Super Eagles to pacify disgruntled fans as they host Madagascar
Aiming to commence the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on a high note, Nigeria welcome Madagascar to Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Friday, keen to secure maximum points.
The Super Eagles have reached the semi-finals of the last two Cups of Nations, and the minimum expectation is to advance to next year’s finals in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Eric Chelle and his Super Eagles players will be keen to pacify disgruntled fans who are frustrated after missing out on consecutive World Cup finals.
The three-time African champions played no part in the expanded 48-team tournament following their absence in 2022, but they have experienced some success on the continent.
While this has not led to a fourth continental title, the Super Eagles have qualified for the last two competitions with little fuss, even reaching the final in the 2023 edition and were eliminated by hosts Morocco in the last tournament.
Although there is typically less jeopardy of two African nations progressing from each group, the presence of co-host Tanzania in Group L leaves only one spot available and, as a result, little margin for error in attempting to reach the 2027 finals.
Although Madagascar famously shocked the Super Eagles at the 2019 Cup of Nations, repeating that feat against a highly motivated Nigerian side in Uyo presents a monumental challenge.
Even without the injured Osimhen to lead the line, Eric Chelle’s squad possesses an abundance of attacking quality and should secure a straightforward opening victory.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Vieira takes charge of Senegal in his first competitive match
Senegal begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Mozambique on Friday, with Patrick Vieira taking charge of the Lions of Teranga for the first time in a competitive match.
The game was originally scheduled to take place in Dakar but has been moved to the Estadio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo after the two federations agreed to switch the fixture, with Senegal’s Stade Abdoulaye Wade unavailable.
The opening Group J fixture comes at the start of a new cycle for Senegal, with Vieira replacing Pape Thiaw after the Lions were eliminated by Belgium in the last 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Vieira has immediately made several changes to his squad, although the new coach has retained a strong core of experienced players, with Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Matar Sarr remaining, while Lamine Camara, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson are among the players expected to carry greater attacking responsibility.
The biggest headline is the absence of Sadio Mane, with the Al-Nassr forward left out because of what Vieira Mozambique should control more of the ball and create the clearer chances, with the quality available to Vieira giving Senegal enough to begin the new era with a victory. described as a physical issue rather than retirement.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Egypt start Afcon qualifying journey against Angola
Egypt will hope to navigate a path to win a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations crown when they start their qualifying journey against Angola on Friday, September 25.
Angola are searching for a third successive appearance at AFCON, in the hopes that they can go further than the group stage as they did in 2025.
The Pharaohs finished last year’s Africa Cup of Nations in fourth place, after losing to runners-up Senegal in the semi-final, and then falling on penalties to Nigeria in the third-placed playoff.
The road to the 2027 AFCON starts now, and with the form they have been in, the home side will be difficult to beat at the Cairo International Stadium.
The Egyptians should be confident here, especially since they are unbeaten against Angola across the previous head-to-heads on record.
Angola did not qualify for the World Cup in North America, but they generally have a good record of being present at AFCON.
After making their debut in 1996, the Sable Antelopes have made nine appearances at the continental showpiece, but they need a positive result in Egypt to set them up for a successful qualifying campaign once more.
Aliou Cisse‘s charges are unbeaten in their last four matches, winning one and drawing three, but they have had a tough time against Egypt in the past.
Of the eight head-to-heads, Angola managed to hold the hosts to four stalemates, including in last year’s AFCON group stage.
The visitors will also take heart from the fact that their two most recent meetings with the Pharaohs finished deadlocked.
Credit: sportsmole.co.uk
Zambia travel away to face Algeria in Group I
Zambia have a tough outing away to Algeria to start off their AFCON 2027 qualification journey. The two sides will face off in Group I, which also has Burundi and Togo. The last time Zambia visited Algeria, they were blanked 5-0, and our prediction backs another comfortable home win.
Algeria had a run to the knockouts at the 2026 World Cup and will be looking to build from the experience. The Fennecs were eliminated in a 2-0 loss to Switzerland, and coming back to familiar territory, they are expected to bounce back.
This will be their 13th meeting with Zambia, and they’ve won six while losing three. In their six home matches against this opponent, they posted four wins.
Zambia managed just one goal when facing Algeria away from home, and that goal delivered their only win on the road in this fixture.
In their latest meeting, Zambia came from 2-0 down to draw 3-3. Ahead of this encounter, though, Zambia have been struggling.
In their only international friendly this year, the Chipolopolo lost 5-0 to Argentina. That marked their second straight defeat and third match on the bounce without scoring.
Zambia have actually managed just one goal in their last five games. Zambia have had a tough run in the past few years as the country’s football endures a difficult period. The 2027 AFCON qualification journey is a chance for a return to normalcy, but starting off with Algeria is almost a baptism by fire.
Algeria have done well at home in this fixture, while Zambia have struggled to even score in it. However, on the only occasion Zambia scored away against Algeria, they went on to win.
Credit: sportytrader.com
FIXTURES
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group F
Group I
Group J
Group K
Group L
