Ghana secured their first victory of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying campaign by beating Somalia 2-0 on Thursday, 12 November, while DR Congo maintained their perfect record with a 3-1 win over Sierra Leone.

Senegal were also among the evening’s major winners, defeating Sudan 4-1 to strengthen their position in Group J. Cote d’Ivoire edged Gambia 2-1 in Group C, where both sides had won their opening two matches before Thursday’s meeting.

The result against Somalia was particularly important for Ghana, who had lost their first two fixtures. The Black Stars’ success gives them their first points of the campaign and provides a much-needed boost in Group C.

Cote d’Ivoire’s victory means they now move ahead of Gambia in the same group after a closely contested encounter. The two teams had started the qualifying campaign with identical records, but it was Cote d’Ivoire who took the points in their latest meeting.

DR Congo maintain unbeaten run

DR Congo continued their strong start in Group E by overcoming Sierra Leone 3-1. The result keeps the Leopards at the top of the group and preserves their 100% record after the opening matches.

There was no winner in the other Group E fixture, as Equatorial Guinea and Zimbabwe drew 0-0.

Guinea claimed a 2-1 victory over Eritrea, while Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau shared the points after a 1-1 draw.

Senegal’s 4-1 win over Sudan was one of the largest results of the night. The Lions of Teranga remain well placed in Group J after another convincing performance.

Benin also recorded a 4-1 victory, beating Central African Republic. Cameroon completed the evening’s other win by defeating Namibia 2-0.

The third round of qualifying continues on Friday with Zambia against Burundi, Tunisia versus Libya, South Africa facing Kenya and Mali meeting Rwanda.

Results – Thursday, 12 November 2026

Ghana 2-0 Somalia

Guinea 2-1 Eritrea

Equatorial Guinea 0-0 Zimbabwe

Madagascar 1-1 Guinea-Bissau

DR Congo 3-1 Sierra Leone

Benin 4-1 Central African Republic

Cameroon 2-0 Namibia

Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 Gambia

Senegal 4-1 Sudan