Super Eagles Cut Group L Gap as Arokodare Bench Double Sinks Tanzania
Nigeria moved within one point of Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau in AFCON 2027 qualifying after securing a 3-1 victory over tournament co-hosts Tanzania in Uyo on Friday. Half-time substitute Tolu Arokodare altered the dynamic of the match, striking twice in eight second-half minutes to break a 1-1 deadlock and earn the host nation three vital points.
Arokodare Injection Rescues Nigeria’s Positional Structure in Uyo
Alhassan Yusuf initiated the scoring in the second minute, converting from inside the penalty area following a central pass from Ademola Lookman. Tanzania neutralised Nigeria‘s early momentum just after the half-hour mark when Alphonce Msanga finished past the goalkeeper to draw the visitors level.
Head coach Eric Chelle introduced Arokodare at the interval, shifting Nigeria’s focal point higher up the pitch to break down Tanzania’s low block, a defensive setup designed to compact space deep within the defensive third. The tactical shift paid off in the 52nd minute when Arokodare redirected Wilfred Ndidi’s low delivery to restore the lead.
Arokodare expanded the lead in the 60th minute, controlling a cross from Moses Usor on the left flank before driving a 12-yard strike into the net. The victory moves Nigeria to four points through three group fixtures, trailing leaders Guinea-Bissau by a single point.
Nigeria vs Tanzania Event Timeline
- 2′, Goal: Alhassan Yusuf (Nigeria), assisted by Ademola Lookman
- 31′, Goal: Alphonce Msanga (Tanzania)
- 52′, Goal: Tolu Arokodare (Nigeria), assisted by Wilfred Ndidi
- 60′, Goal: Tolu Arokodare (Nigeria), assisted by Moses Usor
Salah and Hakimi Drive High-Margin North African Victories
In Group B, Egypt secured a 5-0 win over Malawi in Ali Maher’s debut as head coach. First-half goals from Nasser Maher, Omar Marmoush, and Mohamed Hany established a commanding lead before captain Mohamed Salah scored a header and converted a late penalty to place the Pharaohs three points clear of Angola at the top of the standings.
Morocco maintained their form in Group A with a 5-1 result against Niger in Casablanca. Yassir Zabiri opened the scoring before right-back Achraf Hakimi registered two goals, alongside second-half strikes from Youssef En-Nesyri and Ayoub Oufkir, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stopped a first-half penalty from Youssouf Oumarou.
In Group H, Tunisia dropped to the bottom of their section following a 2-0 home loss to Libya in Sfax. Ali Youssef converted a penalty before half-time and Hamdou El Houni added a second low strike in the second half to leave the Carthage Eagles winless in qualifying.