CAPE TOWN: The Ivory Coast left it late but still made a winning start to the defence of their Africa Cup of Nations title by beating Zambia 2-0 at home on Friday in their opening qualifier for the 2025 final.

The Ivorians won the last edition on home soil in February and are heavily fancied to be one of the top two finishers in Group ‘G’ and book a place at the next tournament.

But they had to turn to substitute striker Jean-Philippe Krasso to ensure success, as he came off the bench in Bouake to net twice in the final 16 minutes.

Fridays round of qualifying matches also saw a win for Morocco, who will host the 2025 finals and are automatically in the 24-team field but still participating in the preliminary competition.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and Egypt were the other former continental champions who got their campaigns off to successful starts.

Morocco hammered visiting Gabon 4-1 in Group ‘B’ with Hakim Ziyech converting two penalties.

Record seven-time AFCON champions Egypt were equally impressive, outplaying Cape Verde 3-0 in Cairo in Group ‘C’ with Eintracht Frankfurt forward Omar Marmoush among the goals.

Burkina Faso equalised in the 95th minute through Ousseni Bouda to snatch a surprise 1-1 Group ‘L’ away draw against 2022 champions Senegal, who had taken an early lead through Sadio Mane.

The Congolese edged Guinea in Kinshasa with a first half goal from Watford striker Edo Kayembe delivering a 1-0 Group ‘H’ victory.

In Johannesburg, South Africa kept up their 26-year unbeaten home record in Cup of Nations qualifiers but only after debutant Thalente Mbatha came off the bench to equalise five minutes into stoppage time of their 2-2 Group ‘K’ tie with Uganda.

Kenya and Zimbabwe, both back in action after being barred from the last AFCON due to government interference, drew 0-0 in Group ‘J’ in Kampala.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2024