Now that all the groups have had their first match let’s take a look at the scores thus far:
Group A
DR Congo vs. Libya (4:0)
A whopping 30,000 fans came to Stade de Martyrs in Kinshasa, Congo, to see DR Congo demolish Libya. Dieumerci Mbokani gave DR Congo an early lead in the 6th minute. Jonathan Bolingi scored in the 47th minute. Dieumerci Mbokani scored in the 56th minute. DR Congo were unstoppable as Ndombe Mubele scored in the 69th minute. Yannick Bolasie had a wonderful game for DR Congo.
This game puts DR Congo on top of the table in Group A with a laudable goal difference.
Tunisia vs. Guinea (2:0)
The goals came in the second half at Stade Mustafa Ben Jannet in Monastir, Tunisia. Aymen Abdennour found the back of the net in the 58th minute while Anis Ben-Hatira’s finish gave Guinea no chance for a comeback.
Tunisia are now top-table contenders with Guinea. Both teams have three in the bag but DR Congo are ahead in goals.
Group B
Algeria vs. Cameroon (1:1)
All square in Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Bilda, Algeria. Soudani gave Algeria an early lead in the 7th minute while Benjamin Moukandjo handed Cameroon a new lifeline in the 24th. The Algerian players participated in the sacking of their own coach Rajevac and blame him for their misfortune. Riyad Mahrez gave us a wonderful performance despite the draw.
Algeria and Cameroon sit between Nigeria and Zambia in Group B.
Nigeria vs. Zambia (2:1)
The Super Eagles begin their campaign with a 2:1 win over Zambia and two English Premier League players deliver superb performances that contributed to their victory. Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi scored in the 32nd minute and Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho scored only 10 minutes later. Collins Mbesuma gave Zambia a glimmer of hope in the 71st minute.
Nigeria will be content with the draw between Algeria and Cameroon. This means Nigeria are on top of Group B while Zambia are 4th.
Group C
Côte d’Ivoire vs. Mali (3:1)
We witnessed a stunning turnaround at the Stade de Bouake in Korhogo, Ivory Coast. Mali scored first in the 18th minute with a finish from Sambou Yatabaré. Côte d’Ivoire responded incredibly well after that goal and adopted a no-nonsense policy almost immediately, with a goal in the 26th minute by Jonathan Kodjia. Salif Coulibaly participated in the quick-fire double with an own goal in the 31st minute and Gervinho scored in the 34th minute.
Côte d’Ivoire are on top of the group at the moment while Mali lie at the bottom.
Gabon vs. Morocco (0:0)
Boredom at the Stade de Franceville in Franceville, Gabon, where two teams played for a point each. This clash will not live long in the memory of the 16,000 fans that came out to watch a goalless draw.
Gabon and Morocco position themselves mid-table after this match.
Group D
Senegal vs. Cape Verde Islands (2:0)
Senegal wins with a goal from Keita in the 24th minute and a goal from Moussa Sow in the 80th minute. The referee Youssef Essrayri managed to brandish three yellow cards to Senegal due to some rough play.
Senegal sits comfortably at the top of Group D. Cape Verde Islands need some catching up to do if they are to advance from last place.
South Africa vs. Burkina Faso (1:1)
Burkina Faso shock South Africa in the first minute of stoppage time, Diawara found the back of the net. South Africa scored in the 80th minute and Dean Furman was destined to be the hero in this game. The late goal gives Burkina Faso a chance in the race for the World Cup.
South Africa and Burkina Faso both share a point in the middle of the table in Group D.
Group E
Congo vs. Egypt (2:1)
Congo had a great start with a header from Ferebory Dore to give the home team a 1:0 lead. Unfortunately for Congo, Mohamed Salah equalised with a header shortly before halftime. Salah managed to lead Egypt to a victory, setting up Abdallah Said after the halftime break. Essam El Hadary, Egypt’s 43-yearold star keeper, had a string of great saves denying Congo a draw.
Egypt now lies in first place while Congo are in 4th.
Ghana vs. Uganda (0:0)
3 yellow cards for Ghana but no goals for either side. Tamale Stadium in Tamale, Ghana, had 19,000 cheering Ghana and Uganda. The Ghanaians would be disappointed with a goalless game and now find themselves second place. Team Uganda are in third place.