The race for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is heating up as several teams left their mark on matchday 2 of the qualifiers. Egypt and Ivory Coast are among the standout performers, securing commanding victories that have put them in control of their respective groups.

Egypt, the seven-time AFCON champions, maintained their perfect start with a dominant 4-0 win over Botswana. Mohamed Salah found the back of the net, capping off a remarkable display of Egypt’s supremacy throughout the match.

Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, the reigning champions, made their presence felt with a 2-0 victory over Chad. This result places them atop Group G with six points, three ahead of Zambia, as they aim to defend their AFCON title.

Other notable results saw South Africa snatch a dramatic 3-2 victory over South Sudan with a last-minute goal, while Nigeria was held to a goalless draw in Rwanda. Despite the draw, Nigeria remains second in Group D with four points, while Rwanda has two points.

East African teams also enjoyed success on the road, with Kenya defeating Namibia 2-1 and Tanzania edging out Guinea 2-1, earning crucial away wins in their respective groups.

Here’s a breakdown of the matchday 2 results and current group standings:

Group C

• Egypt: 6 points (defeated Botswana 4-0)
• Botswana: 0 points (lost to Egypt 0-4)

Group D

• Nigeria: 4 points (held to a 0-0 draw in Rwanda)
• Rwanda: 2 points (held Nigeria to a 0-0 draw)

Group G

• Ivory Coast: 6 points (beat Chad 2-0)
• Chad: 0 points (lost to Ivory Coast 0-2)
• Zambia: 3 points (three points behind Ivory Coast)

Group K

• South Africa: 4 points (clinched a last-minute 3-2 win in South Sudan)
• Uganda: 4 points (behind South Africa on goal difference)

Rwanda’s goalkeeper, Fiacre Ntwari, played a pivotal role in their draw against Nigeria, repeatedly denying efforts from Super Eagles’ star Ademola Lookman, who was nominated for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

For South Africa, substitute Thalente Mbatha delivered once again, netting a 95th-minute winner against South Sudan. Mbatha has now scored two crucial goals in the qualifying campaign.

As the dust settles on matchday 2, Egypt leads Group C with six points, while Nigeria sits second in Group D with four. South Africa heads Group K on goal difference, ahead of Uganda, also with four points.

The AFCON qualifiers will resume in October, with Nigeria set for a crucial doubleheader against Libya. As the campaign progresses, several teams are still in contention, making the battle for a place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations far from decided.

Nigeria soared to the top of Group D in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with a dominant 3-0 victory over Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.

This crucial win gave the Super Eagles a valuable 3 points, propelling them to the group’s top. Rwanda and Libya sit in second and third places, respectively, with one point each, while Benin Republic finds itself at the bottom.

Goals from Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen secured the victory, marking a strong start to the campaign under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen.

Lookman, fresh off his 2024 Ballon d’Or nomination, was the standout performer with two brilliantly executed goals. The Atalanta forward opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time, breaking through Benin’s defense with skillful play. He later sealed the win in the 83rd minute, connecting with a pinpoint cross from Moses Simon to head in his second of the game.

Victor Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, also shined with a stunning half-volley in the 78th minute. The Galatasaray striker latched onto a perfectly timed pass from Wilfred Ndidi, leaving the Benin goalkeeper helpless.

Although the Cheetahs posed occasional threats, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali kept them at bay with crucial saves, ensuring a clean sheet for the home side.

Eguavoen’s tenure got off to an ideal start, avenging Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to Benin in a World Cup qualifier in June. This victory signals a promising beginning to the AFCON qualifiers, with Nigeria aiming to secure their place in the 2025 tournament in Morocco.

As the Super Eagles prepare to face Rwanda in an away match on Tuesday, fans are hopeful that the team can maintain their winning momentum. With Osimhen and Lookman in top form, Nigeria is well-positioned for a successful campaign.

Nigeria vs Benin Highlights

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Finidi George as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, beating Emmanuel Amuneke to the job.

George, a former international player, served as an assistant to José Santos Peseiro before taking over in an interim capacity for two friendly matches in Morocco last month.

George’s immediate task will be to lead the Super Eagles in two crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.

These matches, to be held in Uyo and Abidjan, respectively, are must-win encounters as Nigeria currently sits in third place in Group C of the African campaign, behind Rwanda and South Africa.