The second round of matches for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers concluded on Tuesday night with significant wins for the title holders Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Benin, and Cape Verde.
Here is a summary of the some matches played on Tuesday night:
Chad 0-2 Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire extended their strong start in Group G with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chad. Following their win against Zambia in the opening match, the Elephants demonstrated their prowess once again at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé.
A standout performance from Jean-Philippe Krasso and Oumar Diakité secured the win, propelling Côte d’Ivoire to the top of the group.
Burkina Faso 3-1 Malawi
After drawing 1-1 against Senegal, Burkina Faso achieved a convincing 3-1 victory over Malawi in Bamako, Mali.
Despite early pressure from Malawi, Lassina Traoré broke the deadlock with a low header in the 35th minute. The Shakhtar Donetsk striker doubled the lead just minutes later by dribbling past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Hassane Bandé added a third from the penalty spot before Malawi’s Zeliat Nkhoma pulled one back late. Burkina Faso now leads Group L, edging ahead of Senegal on goal difference.
Cape Verde 2-0 Mauritania
Cape Verde rebounded from a heavy 3-0 defeat to Egypt by defeating Mauritania 2-0 in Group C.
Ryan Mendes scored from a penalty after Benchimol was fouled by Houeibib, giving the Blue Sharks the lead.
In the second half, Mendes scored again in the 75th minute, securing Cape Verde’s three points and moving them into second place in the group.