Guinea-Bissau struck six minutes from time to earn a 1-1 draw with Madagascar in the Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers and maintain their unbeaten start at the top of Group L.
The match was played in Morocco, which is serving as Madagascar’s temporary home venue, and appeared to be heading towards a narrow victory for the Barea after Warren Caddy’s 59th-minute header.
Caddy met a flicked delivery from a long throw and powered the ball beyond Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Fernando Embadje, who had no chance of preventing Madagascar from taking the lead.
Guinea-Bissau responded strongly as the match entered its final stages. Substitute Renato Nhaga levelled in the 84th minute with a powerful long-range strike after Tamble Monteiro had created the opportunity.
Some reports attributed an error by Madagascar goalkeeper Geordan Dupire to the build-up, but Nhaga’s finish ultimately secured a point for the group leaders.
The opening half produced few clear opportunities. Guinea-Bissau controlled approximately 60% of possession and won more corners, while Madagascar remained organised defensively before Caddy broke the deadlock.
The result leaves Guinea-Bissau with seven points from three matches. They are unbeaten and occupy first place in Group L, while Madagascar are third with two points from their opening three games.
Group L qualification picture
Guinea-Bissau remain in control of the race for the single qualification place available in the group, with Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 finals as co-hosts.
Madagascar’s inability to protect their lead leaves them needing points from their remaining fixtures. Nigeria, who have three points from two matches, now have an opportunity to reduce the gap at the top.
Nigeria host Tanzania on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, with kick-off scheduled for around 17:00 WAT.
A victory for the Super Eagles would move them to within one point of Guinea-Bissau and strengthen their position before the return fixtures.
Tanzania have already secured their place at the tournament as co-hosts. That removes the pressure of qualification, although they can still disrupt Nigeria’s campaign when the sides meet.
The two teams are scheduled to play again in Bissau on 17 November, adding further importance to a closely contested group.
Guinea-Bissau will next seek to consolidate their lead, while Madagascar must collect points from the remainder of their programme to keep their hopes of reaching AFCON 2027 alive.