2014 Champions Libya took a big step towards qualifying for the African Nations Championships after coming from behind to beat Algeria 2-1 in Constantine.
Hosts Algeria made a dream start when USM Alger striker Ousamma Derfalou gave the Foxes the lead within the opening 30 seconds in Saturday night’s game.
Their joy was however shortlived when Mouayed Ali Ellafi drew the visitors level in the sixth minute. The 21-year old striker completed his brace four minutes after the break to give his team a first leg advantage
Libya, winners in 2014 failed to defend their title in 2016, losing out to Morocco and Tunisia but will look to build on their first leg advantage when they host Algeria in Tunisia next weekend.
Cameroon were the other winners on the road on Saturday when they beat Sao Tome and Principe in Sao Tome.
Union Douala forward Frantz Pangop gave the visitors the lead on 40 minutes before substitute Raymond Fosso sealed the deal fifteen minutes from time from the penalty spot.
At the August 4 Stadium in Ouagadougou, hosts Burkina Faso rallied to force Ghana to a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Saddick Adams gave the Black Stars a first half lead from the spot after Abdoulaye Zongo handled Winful Cobbinah’s free kick. Mohammed Sylla restored parity for Burkina Faso on 52 minutes but Maxwell Konadu’s stars went ahead again through Cobbinah.
They were however denied victory in stoppage time when a lapse in defense allowed Iliase Sawadogo equalize. Both teams face again at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi next weekend.
Another 2-2 draw played out in East London where ten-man South Africa drew with Zambia.
Gift Motupa (30’) and Mario Booysen (52’) gave Bafana a 2-0 lead but Zambia came back to force the draw through Lebogang Phiri’s header and Augustine Mulenga’s stoppage time effort.
South Africa had Tercious Malepe sent off late in the game.
In other results, a brace from Muzamiru Mutyaba inspired Uganda to a 3-0 mauling of Rwanda while Mali held Mauritania to another 2-2 draw in Nouakchott.
Sunday’s Fixtures:
Benin Republic vs Nigeria
Egypt vs Morocco
Madagascar vs Angola
Comoros vs Namibia
Niger vs Coted’voire
Ethiopia vs Sudan
