2027 AFCON Qualifiers: Algeria edge Togo as late goals rescue Angola against ten-man South Sudan

Algeria strengthened their bid to qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Togo on Saturday, while Angola scored twice in stoppage time to defeat ten-man South Sudan 2-0.

Ramy Bensebaini's second-half strike secured three valuable points for Algeria in Group I, while Angola needed dramatic late goals from Chico Banza and Miro to overcome stubborn South Sudanese resistance in Group B.

Both victories provided significant boosts to the winners' qualification campaigns ahead of the return fixtures on Tuesday, 17 November.

• Algeria 1-0 Togo: Bensebaini strikes late to secure crucial victory

Algeria maintained their push for qualification with a narrow 1-0 victory over Togo, thanks to a decisive second-half goal from experienced defender Ramy Bensebaini.

The Desert Foxes struggled to break down the visitors during a frustrating first half, with Togo producing a disciplined defensive performance to keep the hosts at bay.

Despite enjoying periods of possession, Algeria were unable to find a breakthrough before the interval.

The hosts increased their attacking urgency after the break, introducing Saâdi Radouani, Mohamed Amoura and Farès Chaïbi as they searched for the opening goal.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 76th minute when Bensebaini scored following an assist from Anis Hadj Moussa.

The goal proved enough to secure a vital victory for Brahim Hemdani's side, who strengthened their position in a closely contested Group I.

Togo, who had Kevin Denkey, Karim Dermane and captain Djené booked during the encounter, were unable to find an equaliser.

The victory takes Algeria to seven points from three matches, with two wins and a draw.

Zambia occupy second place with four points after their 1-1 draw against Burundi, while Togo remain third on three points and Burundi fourth with two.

Algeria also have the best goal difference in Group I at +3, strengthening their position ahead of Tuesday's return fixture in Lomé.

Another victory over Togo would take the Desert Foxes to ten points and put them in a commanding position to qualify for the continental finals.

• Angola 2-0 South Sudan: Dramatic late double sinks ten-man visitors

Angola scored twice deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 2-0 victory over ten-man South Sudan in their TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 Group B qualifier.

The Palancas Negras appeared destined for a frustrating goalless draw despite playing much of the second half with a numerical advantage.

South Sudan were reduced to ten players in the 48th minute when defender Angelo Geriga received a straight red card for unsporting conduct.

Angola subsequently intensified their attacking efforts, with coach Aliou Cissé making several substitutions in an attempt to break down the visitors' determined defence.

Chico Banza and Miro were introduced in the 53rd and 65th minutes respectively, changes that eventually proved decisive.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the second minute of stoppage time when Banza scored following an assist from Miro.

With South Sudan pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Angola struck again six minutes later.

Miro completed the victory in the 90+8th minute after being set up by Zito Luvumbo, ending South Sudan's hopes of securing an unexpected away point.

The victory takes Angola to seven points from three matches, level with Egypt, although the seven-time African champions lead Group B on goal difference.

Egypt have scored ten goals without conceding, giving them a +10 goal difference, compared with Angola's +4.

Malawi remain third with three points, while South Sudan are bottom without a point after three consecutive defeats.

Angola will travel to face South Sudan on Tuesday, 17 November, knowing another victory would take them to ten points and further strengthen their bid to reach the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027 finals.

With Egypt and Angola both unbeaten after three matches, the battle for first place in Group B is becoming one of the most intriguing contests of the qualifying campaign.