Former Gor Mahia forward Tito Okello was the hero of the day in the only Group G match of the AFCON 2023 Qualifiers as he stepped up to score a big late goal that earned visiting South Sudan a memorable 2-1 victory over Congo at the Stade Alphonse Masseba-Debat Stadium in Brazzavile on Thursday evening.The game looked to end in a 1-1 draw late on until a quick build-up from the Stefano Cusin side rolled the Paykan FC striker open on the right channel – setting him up to unleash a ferocious shot past Ndzila in goal to secure the all important victory for the third placed side in Group G.¡TREMENDO! Una de las sorpresas de la Fecha FIFA. 🔥🔥🔥A los 96 minutos, de visitante y con uno menos, gracias a este golazo de Tito Okello, Sudán del Sur 🇸🇸 le ganó 2-1 al Congo 🇨🇬 !Que viva el fútbol! pic.twitter.com/598hdOTsdb— Nahuel Lanzón ⭐⭐⭐ (@nahuelzn) March 23, 2023 Peter Chol had given South Sudan the lead in the 65th minute of the game before Thievy Befouma equalized in the 90th minute from the penalty spot – setting up the dramatic finish that ended up in South Sudan’s first victory in the qualifiers.The result means that South Sudan are now up into third position in the group which opens up a three way tie with The Gambia and Congo – all tied on three points.Group leaders Mali lead the group with six points before playing their third match against The Scorpions on Friday March 25 2023.
Zambia vs Lesotho.In Ndola, Zambia coach Avram Grant got his first victory in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers for Chipolopolo after joining the team last December as he led the hosts to a convincing 3-1 victory over visiting Lesotho on Thursday night.It was Lesotho who took a shocking lead in the game as Tshwarelo Bereng scored the game’s opening goal after 33 minutes before Rangers FC striker Fashion Sakala quickly level matters after four minutes to lead both sides deadlocked at 1-1 at the halftime break.##NAJAVA_MECA_7118474##The second half was all Zambia’s as Lecce striker Lameck Banda scored twice in four second half minutes to wrap up a sweet 3-1 victory for Zambia that takes them top of the Group I standings with six points – just two points clear of second placed Ivory Coast who have played a game less.
Madagascar vs Central African Republic.In the early afternoon game in Group E, Madagascar suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat to visiting Central African Republic in Antananarivo. Les Fauves got into the lead through Isaac Ngoma in the 36th minute before Louis Mafouta made it 2-0 just before the halftime break.The 28 year old Quevilly-Rouen striker then added a third late in the second half to push the Central African Republic into third position in the group with 4 points while Madagascar slumped to the bottom of the group standings with a single point after their second loss in three matches played.