AFCON 2021 Qualifiers Roundup: Nigeria Super Eagles Throw Away Four-Goal Lead, Ziyech Shines as Morocco Sinks Central African Republic

Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers continued on Friday evening with a number of matches played across different venues.

Teams continued their chase to book for a spot in the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations set to be hosted by Cameroon. Tunisia secured a 1-0 victory over Tanzania but all eyes were on the Super Eagles as they threw a four-goal lead against Sierra Leone.

Below are the results;

Super Eagles 4-4 Sierra Leone

Gernot Rohr's failed to hold on to a 4-nil lead as they allowed Sierra Leone to come from behind and secure a point away from home. Nigeria had a fantastic start to the game, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Everton forward Alex Iwobi.  Victor Osimhen netted the second in the 21st minute before assisting Iwobi the third goal six minutes later. Samuel Chukwueze made it 4-0 in the 29th minute, and it was another assist from Osimhen who was enjoying the match.

Just before half time, Kwame Quee pulled one back for the visitors, a goal that gave them confidence ahead of the second half. It was totally a different second half as Alhaji Kamara reduced the deficit to two goals before Mustapha Bundu made it 4-3. Kamara then completed his brace, to deny Nigeria three points.

Nigeria are at the top of Group L with seven points, four behind second-placed Benin. Sierra Leone is third with two points while Lesotho are at the bottom with a single point.

Morocco 4-1 Central African Republic

Morocco thrashed the Central African Republic 4-1 to stretch their lead at the top of Group E. Achraf Hakimi handed the hosts the lead in the 10th minute but it only last four 15 minutes as  Louis Mafout strike drew Republic level.

Hakim Ziyech restored Morocco's lead from the spot before adding another goal three minutes later. Substitute  Zakaria Aboukhlal grabbed the fourth for Morocco to completely outdo the African Republic.

The win leaves Morocco at the top of the group with seven points, two above second-placed Mauritania. The African Republic and Burundi are third and fourth with three and one points respectively.

South Africa 2-0 São Tomé and Príncipe

In Group C, South Africa reduced the gap between themselves and leaders Ghana following a 2-0 victory over visiting Sao Tome.  Percy Tau grabbed the opener in the second half from the penalty spot before Bongani Zungu added the second in the stoppage time.

Bafana Bafana is now second with six [points, three behind leaders Black Stars.

Tunisia 1-0 Tanzania

Elsewhere,  Tunisia beat Tanzania 1 nil thanks to Youssef Msakni's 18th-minute penalty that saw the hosts open a six-point lead on top of Group J. Equitorial Guinea are second, while Libya occupies the third place with Tanzania rooted at the bottom but the three teams have all accumulated three points.

Mali 1-0 Namibia

Mali moved to the second on Group A standings after beating Namibia by a solitary goal thanks to El Bilal Toure's 33rd penalty. Mali has the same points as leaders Guinea but have goal difference inferiority.