Three North African nations secured first-leg wins in the five first leg 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs on Friday.
Morocco 1-1 DR Congo
Morocco started off proceedings with an away 1-1 draw against the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa coming from a goal down – while also missing a penalty.
Yoane Wissa opened the scoring in the 12th minute as DRC held the lead until the break before the Atlas Lions came roaring back in the second half.
Ryan Mmae’s missed penalty in the 54th minute appeared to be a sign that it wasn’t their day but substitute Tarik Tissoudali netted with 15 minutes remaining to secure a vital away goal ahead of the second leg in Casablanca.
Cameroon 0-1 Algeria
Djamel Belmadi came into the game under tremendous pressure after the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winners’ disastrous showing when they were dumped out of the group stage of Cameroon 2021 without a win.
However, Islam Slimani gave the Desert Foxes a crucial advantage as Rigobert Song’s debut with the Indomitable Lions ended in defeat in Douala.
Mali 0-1 Tunisia
It was a day to forget for Mali defender Moussa Sissako at the Stade 26 Mars as he netted the only goal of the game, in his own team’s net before being sent off in the 36th and 40th minute respectively.
The Carthage Eagles dominated possession thereafter but were unable to secure a second goal but are in full control ahead of the return leg next week in Tunis.
Egypt 1-0 Senegal
Egypt were reeling as a nation following their AFCON final defeat against Senegal a few months ago and showed their grit and determination in front of a capacity Cairo International Stadium.
Mohamed Salah, was once again a key figure as he forced an own-goal from Saliou Ciss in the fourth minute of the game after his shot hit the crossbar and deflected off the left-back and into the back of the net.
The tie is far from over with the second-leg still to be played in Dakar, but it would have been a morale-boosting result for Carlos Quieroz and his troops in the quest to qualify for Qatar 2022.
Ghana 0-0 Nigeria
The Joloff derby ended in a stalemate at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi not many clear-cut opportunities created in the high-profile encounter.
Ghana, who are competing for a place at the global showpiece after a controversial win over South Africa last year in the final group game, will, however, take heart from the performance with the Super Eagles touted as favourites.
All the second leg ties will be played on Tuesday, with the five representatives of the continent for Qatar 2022 set to be decided on a jam-packed day of African football.
