Algeria stunned hosts Cameroon with an Islam Slimani header while Egypt edged Senegal at home as the first leg games of Africa’s 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying playoffs were wrapped up on Friday.
A Moussa Sissako own goal means defeat at home for Mali against Tunisia as Nigeria held Ghana to a goalless draw while DR Congo and Morocco drew 1-1 in the early kick-off.
The deciding second leg games will be played on Tuesday, March 29 across all five fixtures.
Cameroon 0-1 Algeria
Algeria made up for their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) disappointment with a 1-0 win against tournament hosts Cameroon at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.
After his earlier shot from Algeria’s best chance in the first half was parried to safety by Andre Onana, Slimani produced a towering header in 40 minutes to beat Onana for the only goal of the game.
The Desert Foxes defended their lines well to leave the Japoma Stadium with an important away goal and a win ahead of the second leg at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker on Tuesday.
Egypt 1-0 Senegal
At the Cairo International Stadium, it was payback time as the Pharaohs revenged their 2021 Afcon final loss against Senegal courtesy of an own goal from Saliou Ciss.
The Nancy left-back was unlucky as a Mohamed Salah effort came off the bar to hit his body before rolling into the net in just four minutes into the game.
The African champions mounted an unsuccessful comeback as Egypt defended bravely to protect the advantage ahead of the second leg at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio.
Mali 0-1 Tunisia
The Carthage Eagles escaped with the win from the Stade Du 26 Mars in Bamako with a win courtesy of a disastrous own goal from Sissako.
The Standard Liege defender’s back pass was too strong for goalkeeper Mounkoro to get to as he moved to one side of his post. 21-year-old Sissako was then sent off for a challenge on the last man in 40 minutes.
The Eagles came close on several occasions, but could not find the equalizer. The second leg will be played at the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi on Tuesday.
Source: Sportyafrica.com