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African football entered its final qualifying phase for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, with multiple nations contesting opening-round fixtures across the continent. Egypt faced Angola in Cairo in its group-stage debut, while established sides including Sudan, Algeria, Malawi, and Morocco pursued early victories in the tournament pathway.
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Sudan national team — defeated Ethiopia 1-0 in a qualifying match Friday in the opening round of African Cup of Nations qualifying. The victory provided Sudan an early advantage in its group standings.Malawi national team — led South Sudan 1-0 at halftime in their qualifying fixture Friday, with the match forming part of Egypt's qualifying group. The scoreline reflected Malawi's control in the early phase of competition.Egypt national team — prepared to contest its opening match against Angola Friday evening at Cairo International Stadium in the first round of qualifying. Egypt held a statistical advantage in FIFA ranking and squad market value ahead of the fixture.Morocco national team — began its qualifying campaign against Gabon Friday evening, seeking an early success in the tournament's opening round of matches across the continent.Handball World Club Championship — opened in Egypt's New Capital with Youth and Sports Minister Jawhara Nabeel, African Handball Confederation President Mansour Ariemo, and International Handball Federation President Dr. Hassan Mustafa presiding over inaugural ceremonies. Egyptian clubs Al-Ahly and Al-Zamalek were scheduled to contest matches in the tournament format.What to Watch:
France prepared to face Turkey on Friday in European Nations League Group A action, marking the competitive debut of new coach Zinedine Zidane. Algeria and Zambia contested their Africa Cup qualifying opener Friday evening as the continental qualification cycle intensified.