While awaiting the entry of Senegal, the reigning African champions, and Morocco, finalists of the last edition, the first day of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is in full swing. Several matches played this Thursday have already provided some initial insights.

Zimbabwe pulled off one of the best results of the day with a 3-2 victory away to Sierra Leone. However, the match started very badly for the Warriors, who quickly fell behind 2-0 after goals from Alieu Conte (7th minute) and Salieu Tarawallie (27th minute).

But Zimbabwe completely turned the game around in the second half. Munetsi scored twice (72nd and 86th minutes), while Chirewa (76th minute) also found the net to give Zimbabwe the victory (2-3).

In the day's marquee match, Ivory Coast defeated Ghana 2-0. Making his international debut, Malick Yalcouyé made a strong impression, opening the scoring with a fine strike just before halftime (44th minute). In the second half, Franck Kessié doubled the lead from the penalty spot (56th minute).

In Group G, Cameroon secured a 3-1 home victory against Comoros. David Nyengue (39th minute), Bryan Mbeumo (48th minute), and Danilo Namaso (81st minute) scored the goals for the Indomitable Lions. Comoros had pulled one back through Warmed Omari (51st minute).

In Group H, Tunisia were held to a 1-1 draw at home by Uganda. The Eagles of Carthage had started the match well, with Adem Arous opening the scoring in the 12th minute. However, in the second half, the Ugandans managed to snatch a draw thanks to Mato in the 68th minute.

Note that Uganda has already qualified for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as one of the three host countries, alongside Kenya and Tanzania.