Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Rwanda Stun Nigeria, Ghana, Cape Verde in AFCON Qualifiers

Guinea-Bissau, Gambia and Rwanda produced major upsets on Tuesday as the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying series recorded a number of surprise results across the continent.

The biggest shock came in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where Guinea-Bissau defeated Nigeria’s Super Eagles 3-0 to strengthen their position at the top of Group L.

Franculino opened the scoring after 15 minutes before Mama Baldé doubled Guinea-Bissau’s advantage midway through the second half. Álvaro Djaló completed the emphatic victory in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The result leaves Guinea-Bissau with six points from two matches and a +5 goal difference, while Nigeria remain second with three points and a -2 goal difference.

The defeat leaves the Super Eagles needing a strong response in their next qualifying fixture, particularly with the November international window approaching.

In another major upset, Gambia came from two goals down to defeat Ghana’s Black Stars 4-2, while Rwanda stunned Cape Verde 2-1 away from home.

Elsewhere, co-hosts Uganda edged Libya 1-0, while Zambia bounced back from their opening-day defeat with a 2-0 victory over Togo.

The 2027 AFCON qualifiers feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are automatic qualifiers as co-hosts, meaning the highest-placed non-host nation in their respective groups will secure qualification.

For Nigeria, attention will now turn to their next Group L fixture against Tanzania on November 11. The Super Eagles will need to secure maximum points and improve their goal difference, while the outcome of the other group matches could also prove significant in determining the final standings.