East African nations Rwanda and Tanzania kicked off their 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaigns on Wednesday, each settling for a share of the spoils in their respective group matches.
Rwanda managed a 1-1 draw away against their Group D counterparts Libya in Tripoli, while Tanzania played out a goalless stalemate with Group H rivals Ethiopia in Dar es Salaam.
In Tripoli, Libya took an early lead through Sobhi Al-Dawi, whose solo effort in the 16th minute put the hosts ahead.
Rwanda responded in the second half, with Innocent Ntshwe netting the equaliser to earn his side a vital point. Despite both teams creating opportunities in the closing stages, neither could break the deadlock.
Meanwhile, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and Ethiopia struggled to find their rhythm in an encounter characterized by physical battles and few clear-cut chances.
The game remained largely uneventful in the first half, with Tanzania managing a handful of attempts that did little to trouble Ethiopian goalkeeper Seid Habtamu Aregawi.
The second half saw Tanzania increase their pressure after introducing Pascal Msindo, but Ethiopia’s defense, bolstered by substitutes Binyam Fikre and Adis Giday, held firm.
Despite Tanzania’s late push for a breakthrough, the match ended 0-0, leaving both teams with a point.
Elsewhere, in Group A, Comoros and Gambia also played to a 1-1 draw, while Sudan claimed the day’s only victory by defeating Niger 1-0 in Group F, moving to the top of the standings in their group.
2025 AFCON Qualifiers Opening Day Results:
Libya 1-1 Rwanda
Tanzania 0-0 Ethiopia
Comoros 1-1 Gambia
Sudan 1-0 Niger
