Tunisia’s difficult start to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign took another turn for the worse as they lost 2-0 at home to Libya in Sfax on Friday.

The result leaves the Carthage Eagles bottom of their group after three matches, having drawn their opening two games. Libya move temporarily joint-top under Senegalese manager Youssouph Dabo, although Uganda and Botswana have yet to play.

Tunisia dominated possession but again lacked attacking inspiration and fell behind against the run of play shortly before half-time. Ali Maaloul conceded a penalty which Ali Youssef converted in the 45th minute.

The hosts increased the pressure after the interval and thought they had levelled when substitute Ben Slimane found the net, but the goal was disallowed for a debatable offside decision. Libya then doubled their advantage on the counter through the experienced El Houni in the 64th minute.

There appeared to be a possible foul on Ghram at the start of the move, with the Tunisia player left on the ground for some time receiving treatment, but play continued.

El Houni celebrated by displaying his shirt towards the frustrated home crowd, who threw bottles and later set off flares on the pitch. Tunisia’s players and staff also confronted Moroccan referee Hamza El Fariq, who was escorted from the field as a precaution.

The defeat has raised questions over whether manager Mouine Chaabani will still be in charge for Monday’s return fixture.

South Africa also dropped points, conceding a 90th-minute equaliser in a 2-2 home draw with Kenya, managed by former South Africa forward Benni McCarthy. The result allowed Guinea, who beat Eritrea 2-1 on Thursday, to move within one point of the Group D leaders. Only one qualifying place is available from the group.

Burkina Faso left it late but secured a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in Ouagadougou. Elohim Kabore scored in the 94th minute after being set up by Arsene Kouassi, sending the Stallions level with Benin at the top of Group F. Mauritania are third, four points behind, with a gap beginning to form.

Gabon earned a valuable 2-0 home win against Lesotho, with Denis Bouanga scoring both goals in the 65th and 79th minutes. His first came after he had initially struck the post with a penalty. The Panthers moved temporarily level with Morocco at the summit.

Cape Verde finally collected their first points by beating Liberia 4-2 in Praia. Ayoni Santos, Jose Tavares, Dailon Livramento and Derensili Sanches Fernandes scored for the Blue Sharks, with the last goal arriving in the first minute of added time. They moved to within three points of Mali and Rwanda, who meet later.

Nigeria recovered from their defeat by Guinea-Bissau with a 3-1 win over Tanzania, helped by two goals from Tolu Arokodare of Ajax, to consolidate second place in Group L.