AFCON ROUND-UP: Mo Salah strikes once again as Egypt thump Malawi 4-0 and Namibia shock Cameroon

Mo Salah struck once again as Egypt recorded a thumping 4-0 win over Malawi to hold on to top spot in Group D of Africa Cup of Nations Qualifying, while Senegal and Ivory Coast also recorded victories to continue unbeaten starts. 

The Liverpool star scored his 49th Egypt goal against Malawi – having notched his 48th just four days earlier against the same opposition, as his side coasted to a comfortable victory in Cairo. 

Barcelona star Franck Kessie was on target for Ivory Coast in their 2-0 win against Comoros – who reach the last-16 of the 2022 tournament, with Ibrahim Sangare opening the scoring in the first half. 

For the reigning champions it was a slender 1-0 win over Mozambique courtesy of a Boulaye Dia goal, with the holders labouring to a narrow victory despite naming a strong side. 

Arguably the shock of the night came in Soweto, as Namibia – the home side although it was played in South Africa – beat 2022 hosts Cameroon 2-1.

Ivory Coast remained unbeaten in their AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Comoros

Peter Shalulile opened the scoring in the second half, before Absalom Nanjana Kamutyasa’s strike ensured The Brave Warriors inflicted a first ever win over Cameroon, despite a late Vincent Aboubakar goal in Group C. 

South Africa kept the pressure on World Cup semi-finalists Morocco – who are top of Group K despite only playing twice, after Mihlali Mayambela’s 53rd minute strike proved to be the winner. 

William Jebor had equalised for the hosts following a 19th minute opener scored by Zakhele Lepasa, but Liberia were unable to find a second to draw level, and now sit third in the group, winless after three matches. 

In Group J, Botswana played host to a five-goal thriller with Equatorial Guinea, which saw the away side come out on top, beating The Zebras 3-2 to go second behind Tunisia. 

National Thunder raced into a 1-0 lead through Emilio Nsue, before Mbatshi Chida Elias drew level, but the visitors took the lead just before half-time after an own goal from Lebogang Ditsele. 

Ivan Salvador made it 3-1 to Equatorial Guinea, before a 66th minute penalty from Kabelo Seakanyeng ensured there would be a tight finish, but Botswana were unable to draw level once again. 

Boulaye Dia scored the only goal of the game as the reigning champions beat Mozambique

The other game in the group saw Tunisia hold onto top spot with a 1-0 victory against neighbours Libya, thanks to Haythem Jouini’s 16th minute goal at the Martyrs of February Stadium. 

Uganda inflicted an important 1-0 win on the road against Tanzania as the race for second spot in Group F heats up, with Algeria already running away with top spot, with four wins on the trot. 

Mali were beaten for the first time in their qualifying campaign, with Gambia coming away with all three points, with Omar Colley’s 79th minute goal the difference between the two sides in Group G. 

Burkina Faso’s hold on top spot in Group B continued, after The Stallions drew 1-1 with Togo and Cape Verde beat Eswatini 1-0 to continue their own impressive campaign, with The Blues Sharks currently second in the group.