Ahead of the upcoming AFCON tournament, a series of preparatory matches unfolded, providing insights into the form and readiness of participating teams.
Zambia managed a 1-1 draw against Cameroon, with Patson Daka making his mark on the scoresheet in this pre-tournament friendly. Meanwhile, Algeria, following their recent 3-0 win against Togo, continued their momentum by securing a commanding 4-0 victory over Burundi. Riyad Mahrez, Baghdad Bounedjah, Islam Slimani, and Mohamed El Amine showcased their scoring prowess for the Algerian squad.
Other noteworthy encounters included Ghana’s goalless draw against Namibia and Mali’s dominant 6-2 victory over Guinea Bissau in their respective friendly matches. Reigning AFCON champions Senegal clinched a narrow 1-0 win against Niger, with Formose Mendy’s 90+9’ goal securing the victory against the 129th-ranked team globally.
However, Nigeria faced a setback in their preparations, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Guinea, extending their winless streak to three matches ahead of AFCON. In contrast, Egypt, the record holders, displayed their strength with a 2-0 win over Tanzania, with Mohammed Salah notably contributing with an assist and influencing an own goal from Aishi Manula via a penalty.
Ivory Coast showcased dominance in their 5-1 victory over Sierra Leone, featuring goals from Franck Kessie, Ousmane Diomande, Jeremie Boga, Jonathan Bamba, and Jean Amani. Additionally, Mozambique secured a solid 2-0 win against AFCON debutants Lesotho in their friendly encounter. These matches served as crucial preparation for the impending AFCON tournament, offering insights into teams’ strategies and form ahead of the prestigious competition.
