U23 AFCON Qualifiers: Cameroon shine in Rwanda as Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire suffer shock defeats

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon

The race for places at the next U23 Africa Cup of Nations gathered momentum with the first-leg matches of the second qualifying round producing several surprising results, as established African football nations suffered setbacks while Cameroon made a commanding statement away from home.

Cameroon were among the biggest winners of the day, recording an impressive 3-0 victory over Rwanda at the Kigali Pele Stadium. Guy Feutchine’s side delivered a convincing performance, with Patrick Edzimbi scoring twice in the 63rd and 90+3 minutes, while Nko Ghangle Rattensi added another in the 87th minute. The result gives the Young Indomitable Lions a significant advantage ahead of the return leg in Yaoundé on November 17.

There were also major talking points elsewhere, particularly in Kenya, where Côte d’Ivoire suffered a 2-1 defeat. The Ivorians now face the challenge of overturning the deficit at home if they are to keep their qualification ambitions alive. Algeria also endured a difficult afternoon, falling 2-1 away to Eswatini in another result that could have significant consequences for their campaign.

Ghana were equally disappointed after losing 1-0 to Libya, leaving the Black Stars with work to do in the return fixture. Burkina Faso also claimed an important 1-0 home victory over Zambia, while Guinea secured a narrow 1-0 away win against Botswana to put themselves in a favourable position ahead of the second leg.

Elsewhere, Mali produced one of the most convincing performances of the round, defeating Zimbabwe 3-0 away from home. Senegal, meanwhile, were held to a goalless draw by South Sudan, leaving their qualification contest finely balanced heading into the return fixture.

With the first legs delivering several unexpected outcomes, the return matches promise further drama as the teams battle for places in the third and final qualifying round.

Meanwhile, Niger have already secured their place in the final qualifying round without playing, following the withdrawal of Equatorial Guinea from the competition.

For Cameroon, the emphatic victory in Kigali puts Guy Feutchine’s young side in a strong position, but the job is not yet complete. The return leg in Yaoundé will offer the Young Indomitable Lions an opportunity to confirm their progression and move one step closer to the U23 AFCON.