Arokodare double secures Nigeria win in Afcon 2027 qualifier

Tolu Arokodare was the hero as Nigeria boosted their hopes of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a 3-1 home win over tournament co-hosts Tanzania.

With the East Africans already assured of a spot at the finals, the Super Eagles are battling for the one qualification spot available in Group L and have little margin for error after losing 3-0 in Guinea-Bissau in September.

Alhassan Yusuf kept his composure to slot Nigeria into a second-minute lead in Uyo from Ademola Lookman's pass, but the visitors equalised through Alphonce Msanga just after the half-hour mark.

Arokodare climbed off the bench at half-time and cleverly flicked home Wilfred Ndidi's low ball to restore the lead for the West Africans in the 52nd minute.

And the Ajax striker, who is on a season-long loan from Wolves, gave the Super Eagles breathing space eight minutes later when he controlled Moses Usor's cross from the left and smashed in from 12 yards out.

With three games played in the group, Eric Chelle's side are now one point behind leaders Guinea-Bissau, who drew 1-1 with Madagascar on Thursday.

Elsewhere, Tunisia are in danger of missing out on the finals for the first time since 1992 after suffering a 2-0 defeat at home against Libya, and Kenya scored a last-minute equaliser to end South Africa's perfect start.

Later on Friday Ali Maher takes charge of Egypt for the first time following the departure of Hossam Hassan when the Pharaohs host Malawi (19:00 GMT).

Meanwhile, Morocco look to extend their perfect start in Group A with a home game against Niger (20:00 GMT).

The third round of qualifying culminates with three games on Saturday, while the fourth round of fixtures are split across Monday and Tuesday.

Tunisia have appeared at a record 17 consecutive Afcons but are winless and bottom of Group H - another section with just one qualifying place on offer - after defeat by their North African neighbours Libya.

The Carthage Eagles could complain about refereeing decisions going against them in Sfax, with Ali Maaloul penalised for a shirt pull on Muad Eisay just before half-time and Ali Youssef converting the resulting spot-kick.

Tunisia had a goal ruled out following a marginal offside call in the second half and three minutes later a low shot from Hamdou El Houni made it 2-0 to the Mediterranean Knights.

Libya, who last played at an Afcon in 2012, climb to second in the table and go level on points with Uganda.

South Africa are a point clear of Guinea at the top of Group D after a 2-2 draw against Benni McCarthy's Kenya in Johannesburg.

Amos Wanjala's own goal gifted the hosts an early lead before Michael Olunga levelled from the penalty spot just before half-time.

Relebohile Mofokeng restored Bafana Bafana's advantage with 13 minutes remaining, but Kenya claimed a point when Ryan Ogam's low shot from 20 yards crept inside the left-hand upright in the 90th minute.

Elsewhere, Burkina Faso joined Benin on seven points at the top of Group F thanks to Elohim Kabore's 94th-minute winner against Mauritania in Ouagadougou and Cape Verde registered their first points in Group K with a 4-2 victory over Liberia in Praia.

Gabon beat Lesotho and joined Morocco on six points in Group A thanks to two second-half goals from Denis Bouanga.

The LA FC forward smashed the right-hand upright with a penalty but broke the deadlock with a header a minute later and then scored from 12 yards when the Panthers were awarded a second spot kick.

Ethiopia registered their first win to upset Mozambique in Maputo, with Kenean Markneh scoring the only goal in the 87th minute after Mambas keeper Ernan spilled a low shot from Carlos Damtew.

The East Africans move on to three points but remain bottom of Group J, behind Sudan on head-to-head record, while Mozambique are on four points and three behind leaders Senegal.

Zambia moved level on four points with Group I leaders Algeria after a 1-1 draw at home to Burundi. The North Africans have the chance to open up a three-point gap when they host Togo on Saturday.

In Group G, Comoros were held to a goalless draw by Congo-Brazzaville in Moroni. Cameroon lead the section on seven points, with Comoros on four, Namibia on three and the Congolese bottom on two points.

Comoros 0-0 Congo-Brazzaville (Group G)

Zambia 1-1 Burundi (Group I)

Mozambique 0-1 Ethiopia (Group J)

Cape Verde 4-2 Liberia (Group K)

Gabon 2-0 Lesotho (Group A)

South Africa 2-2 Kenya (Group D)

Burkina Faso 1-0 Mauritania (Group F)

Tunisia 0-2 Libya (Group H)

Nigeria 3-1 Tanzania (Group L)

Egypt v Malawi (Group B, 19:00 GMT)

Mali v Rwanda (Group K, 19:00 GMT)

Morocco v Niger (Group A, 20:00 GMT)