The Carthage Eagles’ record of 16 straight home triumphs in Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers came to an end on Friday when Comoros stunned Tunisia 1-0.
In other matchday 3 qualifiers, South Africa scored a record-tying five goals, Nigeria pulled off a thrilling late victory, and Premier League sharpshooters Mohamed Salah and Bryan Mbeumo scored crucial goals.
Midway through the second half in Rades, French second-tier league striker Rafiki Said scored a goal to move Comoros up to second place in Group A, one point behind Tunisia halfway through the competition.
The little island nation of Comoros, which is located off the coast of southeast Africa, is known for upsetting people. This was demonstrated when they defeated Ghana to go to the 2022 AFCON second round.
But the islanders were given little chance of succeeding away to former champions Tunisia, who are ranked fifth in Africa, and 82 places above Comoros in the world.
The lack of a international-standard stadium in Moroni means the Comorans must host Tunisia in matchday 4 on Tuesday in Abidjan, the Ivorian commercial capital.
Record seven-time African champions Egypt faced stubborn resistance from Mauritania in Cairo until Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan netted 69 minutes into the Group C clash.
After three rounds, the Pharaohs’ spotless record was maintained thanks to a second goal 10 minutes later from prolific Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah.
With nine points, Egypt is the clear leader. With three points each, Cape Verde, Botswana, and Mauritania are vying for the second qualifying spot for the Morocco 2025 finals.
Merely Erling Haaland of Manchester City has scored more goals for Brentford this season than Mbeumo, who scored just before halftime to give Cameroon a two-goal lead over Kenya.
Cameroon, who boast the second best AFCON record with five titles, went on to triumph 4-1 in Yaounde with Vincent Aboubakar, Martin Hongla and Christian Bassogog the other scorers.
Victory lifted Cameroon to the top of Group J with seven points. Zimbabwe have five, Kenya four and Namibia are pointless.
