Arokodare double lifts Nigeria past Tanzania in Afcon qualifying

Tolu Arokodare scored twice after coming on at half-time as Nigeria defeated Tanzania 3-1 in Uyo on Friday to strengthen their position in qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. BBC Sport Africa reported that the victory left Eric Chelle's team one point behind Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau after three matches, with only one qualification place available to the teams competing alongside tournament co-hosts Tanzania.

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Nigeria made an early breakthrough when Alhassan Yusuf finished from Ademola Lookman's pass in the second minute. Tanzania, who already have a place at the finals as co-hosts, responded through Alphonce Msanga just after the half-hour. That equaliser meant the Super Eagles reached the interval level despite their quick start, before Arokodare's introduction changed the course of the second half.

The striker restored Nigeria's advantage in the 52nd minute by turning in a low delivery from Wilfred Ndidi. Eight minutes later, he controlled a cross from Moses Usor on the left and struck from 12 yards to make it 3-1. Arokodare is playing for Ajax on a season-long loan from Wolves, and his two goals gave Nigeria the cushion they had been unable to establish before the break.

The result was important for a Nigerian side that lost 3-0 away to Guinea-Bissau in September. The group leaders had drawn 1-1 with Madagascar on Thursday, allowing the Super Eagles to reduce the gap. Tanzania's automatic qualification leaves less room for dropped points among the other sides in the section, and Nigeria remain behind Guinea-Bissau despite Friday's home victory.

Elsewhere, Tunisia's difficulties deepened with a 2-0 home defeat by Libya in Sfax. Ali Youssef converted a penalty before Hamdou El Houni added the second goal. Tunisia, who have appeared at 17 consecutive Afcon tournaments, are winless and bottom of Group H. Libya moved into second place, level on points with Uganda, in another group offering just one qualifying berth.

South Africa also dropped points, drawing 2-2 with Kenya in Johannesburg after Ryan Ogam equalised in the 90th minute. Relebohile Mofokeng had put the hosts back in front with 13 minutes remaining, but Kenya's late response ended South Africa's perfect start. Bafana Bafana nevertheless remained a point ahead of Guinea at the top of Group D, with the fourth round of qualifying fixtures scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.