AFCON 2023 Q: Gambia secure qualification, Nigeria and Togo claim wins on Sunday

On Sunday, the Africa Cup of Nations qualification matches featured Gambia securing a spot in next year’s tournament, along with Nigeria and Togo claiming home victories in matches that had no bearing on the standings.

The night match in Marrakesh witnessed a thrilling 2-2 draw between Gambia and Congo. Despite being 2-0 down at halftime due to goals from Congo’s Gaius Makouta and Silvere Ganvoula, the Scorpions managed a dramatic comeback with late strikes from Yankuba Minteh and Mohamed Badamosi. This result secured Gambia’s second consecutive AFCON appearance as they finished second in Group G, just behind Mali.

In the early-evening games, Nigeria dominated Sao Tome & Principe with a resounding 6-0 victory. Victor Osimhem was the star of the match, scoring a hat-trick and bringing his qualification goal tally to a tournament-leading 10. Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Samuel Chukwueze also found the net as the Super Eagles comfortably topped Group A with 15 points.

In another early-evening encounter in Group B in Lome, Togo salvaged some pride in their unsuccessful campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win over Cape Verde. Although Cape Verde took a 2-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes with goals from Kevin Pina and Gilson Benchimal, Togo mounted a comeback. Kevin Denkey scored a brace, and Abdou Ouattara struck the decisive goal in the 87th minute.

The AFCON qualifiers will continue with one match on Monday, September 11, as Guinea-Bissau and Sierra Leone face off in a Group A contest.

AFCON Qualifiers Results, Sunday, September 10:

• Nigeria 6-0 Sao Tome & Principe
• Togo 3-2 Cape Verde
• Gambia 2-2 Congo