South Africa dropped points at home after being held to a 2-2 draw by Kenya, while Nigeria, Gabon, Libya, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde all secured victories as Matchday 3 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualifiers continued on Friday.

Bafana Bafana were denied victory by a late Kenyan equaliser in Soweto. Nigeria claimed a 3-1 win over Tanzania, Gabon defeated Lesotho 2-0, while Libya recorded an impressive 2-0 away triumph against Tunisia.

Burkina Faso also snatched a late 1-0 victory over Mauritania, while Cape Verde boosted their campaign with a 4-2 success against Liberia.

South Africa held by Kenya after late drama

South Africa were unable to turn home advantage into victory as Kenya fought back to earn a 2-2 draw in Soweto.

Bafana Bafana initially went ahead through an own goal by Amos Wandala before Michael Olunga converted a penalty to bring Kenya level.

The hosts regained the lead when Relebohile Mofokeng produced an excellent volley, firing the ball into the roof of the net to put South Africa in front.

However, Kenya continued to push for a response and found their reward in the 90th minute. Ryan Ogam scored the equaliser to secure a valuable point for the visitors and silence the home supporters.

Nigeria overcome Tanzania to revive qualification hopes

Nigeria returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Tanzania, moving into second place in Group L.

Alhassan Yusuf gave the Super Eagles an early advantage, but Tanzania responded through Alphonce Msangsa to restore parity.

Nigeria took control again after the interval, with Tolu Arokodare putting the hosts back in front in the 52nd minute. The forward struck for a second time eight minutes later to complete his brace and seal all three points.

The victory provides Nigeria with an important lift in their qualification campaign, while Tanzania remain bottom of the group.

Bouanga brace leads Gabon past Lesotho

Gabon kept the pressure on Group A leaders Morocco after recording a 2-0 victory over Lesotho.

Denis Bouanga was the difference between the sides, finding the net twice to secure a comfortable win for the Panthers.

The result leaves Gabon level on points with Morocco and strengthens their position in the race for qualification.

Libya stun Tunisia with away victory

Libya claimed one of the biggest results of the day after defeating Tunisia 2-0 on their own ground to move to the summit of Group H.

Ali Yousef Al Musrati gave the visitors an early breakthrough, scoring in the fourth minute to put Tunisia on the back foot.

Libya maintained their advantage and eventually extended it in the 62nd minute, when Hamdou El Houni found the net to complete an impressive away performance.

The victory moves Libya above Tunisia in the group standings and provides a significant boost to their qualification hopes.

Kaboré strikes late as Burkina Faso beat Mauritania

Burkina Faso secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Mauritania, with Elohim Kaboré delivering the decisive goal in stoppage time.

The encounter appeared destined to finish goalless before Kaboré struck at a crucial moment to hand the Stallions all three points.

The result takes Burkina Faso level on points with Group F leaders Benin, keeping the qualification battle competitive.

Cape Verde return to winning ways against Liberia

Cape Verde revived their qualifying campaign with a 4-2 victory over Liberia in an entertaining contest that produced six goals.

Ayoni Santos opened the scoring for the hosts, but Franklin Nyenetue responded for Liberia to bring the visitors back into the game.

Cape Verde restored their advantage through Dje Tavares before Dailon Livramento added another goal ahead of half-time.

The hosts continued to threaten after the break, with Derensili Fernandes scoring in the 90th minute to complete the 4-2 victory.

The result gives Cape Verde their first win of the qualifying campaign and offers them an opportunity to build momentum in the remaining fixtures.