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The braces that lit up Matchday 1 of the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Tumisang Orebonye, Dorgeles Nene and Marshall Munetsi made flying starts to the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers. Three braces delivered goals, victories and a spectacular comeback on Matchday 1.
Three players make their mark on the opening matchday
Matchday 1 of the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers produced several standout individual performances, with Tumisang Orebonye, Dorgeles Nene and Marshall Munetsi each scoring twice for their respective national teams.
All three found the net twice, although their goals ultimately produced different outcomes.
While Mali and Zimbabwe turned their braces into opening victories, Botswana were unable to hold onto their advantage and had to settle for a draw against Libya.
Tumisang Orebonye scores twice but Botswana are held
Tumisang Orebonye delivered the standout attacking performance for Botswana against Libya in Group H.
The forward scored twice in the first half, finding the net in the 30th and 42nd minutes to put his team in a strong position.
Libya, however, fought back and eventually rescued a 2-2 draw, preventing Orebonye's brace from delivering all three points for Botswana.
Dorgeles Nene fires Mali to victory
Dorgeles Nene's brace did come with a victory.
The forward played a decisive role as Mali defeated Cape Verde 3-1 in Group K, scoring two of his team's three goals.
Nene emerged as one of Mali's leading figures as they opened their road to AFCON 2027 with a win.
Marshall Munetsi inspires a spectacular Zimbabwe comeback
Marshall Munetsi's brace came with an added ingredient: a comeback.
The midfielder scored twice and played a crucial role in Zimbabwe's spectacular response as they defeated Sierra Leone 3-2 in Group E.
His two goals proved vital as Zimbabwe completed the turnaround and started their qualifying campaign with a victory.
Three braces, three different stories
- Tumisang Orebonye scored in the 30th and 42nd minutes for Botswana, but Libya fought back to secure a 2-2 draw in Group H.
- Dorgeles Nene scored twice as Mali defeated Cape Verde 3-1 in Group K.
- Marshall Munetsi delivered a brace and played a key role in Zimbabwe's comeback to beat Sierra Leone 3-2 in Group E.
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