Taking the top two spots in Group I of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Mali and Mozambique both won crucial matches on Tuesday.
Yves Bissouma scored the decisive goal just ten minutes into the match. It was the Eagles' first win under new coach Tom Sainfiet.
Despite a disappointing 1-1 draw against Mozambique in their opening match, Mali now shares top spot with four points.
In October, they will play a double-header against Mozambique.
Mozambique defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-1 in the same group.
In the fifth minute, Guima opened the scoring for the Mambas with a strike from outside the box, but Mama Baldé equalized in the 24th minute for Guinea-Bissau.
A substitute Elias, brought on by coach Chiquinho Conde, scored the game-winner in the 72nd minute. Mozambique now leads Group I, level with Mali.
As part of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, Nigeria's Super Eagles were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Rwanda on Tuesday in Kigali.
Despite dominating much of the game, Nigeria was unable to break through Rwanda's disciplined defence, extending their unbeaten record against the Amavubi to six games.
After an impressive 3-0 victory over Benin Republic, the Super Eagles were expected to continue their strong qualifying campaign.
In the starting lineup, Austin Eguavoen replaced Alex Iwobi with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, while top scorer Victor Osimhen sat on the bench.
The Atalanta forward thought he had given Nigeria the lead in the 22nd minute, only to have it ruled out for offside.
The rebound could not be converted after Victor Boniface rattled the upright with a thunderous strike.
At halftime, Eguavoen introduced Osimhen and Moses Simon to add firepower after the first half ended without a goal.
Rwanda, buoyed by the presence of President Paul Kagame, defended resolutely.
Osimhen's header was saved by Fiacre Ntwari in the last minute to keep the score level.
There was no decisive breakthrough for Nigeria as it continued to pile on pressure.
The Super Eagles remain on top of Group D with four points, while Rwanda is second with two.
Taking on Libya in October, Nigeria hopes to return to winning ways.
