2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Benin hold off Mauritania as Mali, Côte d’Ivoire collect wins

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations KE-TZ-UG 27 Qualifiers produced four contrasting encounters, with Benin, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire claiming victories while Congo and Cameroon shared the points in a tightly contested encounter.

Benin survived a late Mauritanian fightback to secure a 2-1 victory, Mali left it late to edge Liberia 1-0, while Côte d’Ivoire struck twice in the closing stages to overcome Somalia 2-0. In the fourth fixture, Congo and Cameroon played out a 1-1 draw after the hosts surrendered their early lead.

• Benin 2-1 Mauritania

Benin held on for three points after a dramatic second half against Mauritania, with the visitors threatening a comeback after falling two goals behind.

Benin led 1-0 at the break before Rodolfo Aloko doubled the advantage shortly after the restart, finishing from close range following a cross from Yamirou Ouorou.

Mauritania were handed a route back into the contest when Djeidi Gassama won a penalty in the 79th minute. His initial spot-kick had already been saved earlier in the second half by Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, but Gassama again played a key role in creating the opportunity. Aboubakary Koïta made no mistake from the second penalty, sending the ball into the bottom right corner to reduce the deficit.

The final stages became increasingly tense, with Mauritania pushing for an equaliser. Koïta and Gassama both had opportunities in added time, but Benin's defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.

Congo 1-1 Cameroon
Congo were within sight of a home victory against Cameroon before an unfortunate own goal restored parity shortly after half-time.

Geltany Bantsiele put Congo ahead in the 24th minute, converting from the centre of the box after being set up by Yvan Ikia Dimi. Congo carried their advantage into the interval.

Cameroon responded positively after the restart and were level in the 53rd minute when Congo goalkeeper Melvin Zinga turned the ball into his own net. The goal brought Cameroon back into a contest in which both sides continued to look for a decisive second goal.

There was no shortage of late pressure. Cameroon had opportunities in the closing stages, while Congo also threatened to reclaim the lead, but neither side could find the finish required. The points were ultimately shared at 1-1.

• Liberia 0-1 Mali

Mali secured a narrow victory in a match that remained goalless for more than an hour before Ange Martial Tia provided the breakthrough.

Liberia had chances to take the initiative, including an opportunity for Peter Wilson in the second half, but Mali remained in the contest and eventually found the decisive moment.

Tia struck in the 79th minute, finishing from the centre of the box after a pass from Kamory Doumbia. The goal settled an otherwise closely fought encounter and gave Mali a 1-0 victory.

Liberia continued to search for a response, but Mali's defence held out to claim the points.

• Somalia 0-2 Côte d’Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire had to wait until the closing stages to break Somalia's resistance, but two goals in the final minutes secured a 2-0 victory.

Somalia goalkeeper Ibrahim Hussein kept his side in the contest for long periods, making saves from Christ Inao Oulaï and Patrick Zabi as Côte d’Ivoire increased the pressure after the interval.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 89th minute. Yann Gboho finished from inside the box following a corner to put Côte d’Ivoire ahead.

Somalia were unable to recover, and Bazoumana Touré added a second deep into stoppage time, converting from close range to complete the 2-0 victory.