Tolu Arokodare was the hero as Nigeria boosted their hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a 3-1 home win over tournament co-hosts Tanzania.

With the East Africans already assured of a spot at the finals, the Super Eagles are battling for the one qualification spot available in Group L and have little margin for error after losing 3-0 in Guinea-Bissau in September.

Alhassan Yusuf kept his composure to slot Nigeria into a second-minute lead in Uyo from Ademola Lookman's pass, but the visitors equalised through Alphonce Msanga just after the half-hour mark.

Arokodare climbed off the bench at half-time and cleverly flicked home Wilfred Ndidi's low ball to restore the lead for the West Africans in the 52nd minute.

And the Ajax striker, who is on a season-long loan from Wolves, gave the Super Eagles breathing space eight minutes later when he controlled Moses Usor's cross from the left and smashed in from 12 yards out.

With three games played in the group, Eric Chelle's side are now one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who drew 1-1 with Madagascar on Thursday.

Elsewhere, Tunisia are in danger of missing out on the finals for the first time since 1992 after suffering a 2-0 defeat at home against Libya and Kenya scored a last-minute equaliser to end South Africa's perfect start.

Later on Friday Ali Maher takes charge of Egypt for the first time following the departure of Hossam Hassan when the Pharaohs host Malawi (19:00 GMT).

Meanwhile, Morocco look to extend their perfect start in Group A with a home game against Niger (20:00 GMT).

The third round of qualifying culminates with three games on Saturday, while the fourth round of fixtures are split across Monday and Tuesday.

Tunisia downed as McCarthy frustrates Bafana

The Carthage Eagles could complain about refereeing decisions going against them in Sfax, with Ali Maaloul penalised for a shirt pull on Muad Eisay just before half-time and Ali Youssef converting the resulting spot-kick.

Tunisia had a goal ruled out following a marginal offside call in the second half and three minutes later a low shot from Hamdou El Houni made it 2-0 to the Mediterranean Knights.

Amos Wanjala's own goal gifted the hosts an early lead lead before Michael Olunga levelled from the penalty spot just before half-time.

Relebohile Mofokeng restored Bafana Bafana's advantage with 13 minutes remaining, but Kenya claimed a point through Ryan Ogam in the 90th minute.

Ethiopia upset Mozambique

The LA FC forward smashed the right-hand upright with a penalty but broke the deadlock with a header a minute later and then scored from 12 yards when the Panthers were awarded a second spot kick.

The East Africans move on to three points but remain bottom of Group J, behind Sudan on head-to-head record, while Mozambique are on four points and three behind leaders Senegal.

Friday's Afcon 2027 qualifying results and fixtures

Egypt v Malawi (Group B, 19:00 GMT)

Mali v Rwanda (Group K, 19:00 GMT)

Morocco v Niger (Group A, 20:00 GMT)