Ethiopia Stun Mozambique as Burundi Deny Zambia in AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Ethiopia claimed a dramatic 1–0 away victory over Mozambique in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying on Friday, 13 November, while Burundi scored late to earn a 1–1 draw in Zambia and Comoros shared a goalless result with Congo.

The three results, confirmed in the Confederation of African Football’s official match report, reshaped the immediate picture in Groups J, I and G of the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

Ethiopia strike late in Mozambique

The contest between Mozambique and Ethiopia remained goalless for most of the match. Ethiopia eventually broke through in the 87th minute when Canaan Markneh scored to secure all three points for the visitors.

Mozambique had entered the fixture with four points from their first two games and an opportunity to strengthen their position in Group J. Instead, Ethiopia’s late goal handed the hosts a setback and gave the visitors a valuable away result.

CAF reported that the teams are scheduled to meet again on 17 November. The return fixture gives Mozambique an immediate opportunity to respond, while Ethiopia will seek to build on the confidence of Friday’s win.

Burundi rescue a point against Zambia

In Group I, Zambia appeared on course for a home victory when Edward Chilufya scored in the 65th minute. The forward finished an attack involving Albert Kangwanda, putting the hosts ahead in front of a capacity crowd.

Burundi remained in the contest and found an equaliser in the 83rd minute through Jean Girumugisha. The late goal ensured the visitors took a point and denied Zambia the win they had been closing in on.

Both teams face another meeting on 17 November. With qualifying points still available, Friday’s draw leaves neither side able to treat its position as settled.

Comoros and Congo share the points

In Moroni, Comoros and Congo finished 0–0 after neither team found a breakthrough. The match at Stade Omnisports de Malouzini remained scoreless through both halves.

CAF reported that Comoros moved to four points from three matches, while Congo reached two points. Their return fixture in Brazzaville on 17 November will provide another chance to improve their positions in Group G.

Qualification remains open

The results illustrate how quickly the balance can change during a qualifying campaign. Ethiopia’s late winner converted a difficult away fixture into three points, while Burundi’s response in Zambia showed the importance of competing until the final minutes.

None of the three results, taken alone, establishes qualification for the finals. The next round of fixtures will be important for each side’s standing and momentum.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The CAF qualifying schedule provides the broader competition context, while the governing body’s match report is the source for Friday’s scores and scorers.