East African co-hosts wrap up first leg AFCON 2027 qualifiers ahead of Tuesday’s return showdowns

All three 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) co-hosts, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, have completed their Matchday 3 first-leg fixtures, setting the stage for an action-packed return leg across the continent on Tuesday, November 17, 2026.

Following Kenya’s thrilling 2–2 draw away to South Africa in Soweto on Friday, the Uganda Cranes closed out Matchday 3 for the East African trio last night, Saturday, November 14, 2026, by sharing the spoils in a 1–1 draw against Botswana at Hoima City Stadium.

1. Kenya (Group D) – South Africa 2–2 Kenya (Friday, Nov 13)

Benni McCarthy’s Harambee Stars twice came from behind at Orlando Stadium in Soweto to claim a statement point. Captain Michael Olunga converted a 44th-minute penalty to equal Kenya’s all-time international scoring record, before substitute Ryan Ogam struck a dramatic 90th-minute equalizer to cancel out an Amos Wanjala own goal (8′) and Relebohile Mofokeng’s second-half goal (77′).

2. Uganda (Group H) – Uganda 1–1 Botswana (Saturday, Nov 14)

Playing at Hoima City Stadium on an emotional night that marked former captain Khalid Aucho’s international farewell, the Uganda Cranes took an early lead through James Bogere in the 8th minute. However, Botswana hit back in the 31st minute via Losika Ratshukudu, and neither side could find a winner after the break as Uganda remained top of Group H on five points.

3. Tanzania (Group L) – Nigeria 3–1 Tanzania (Friday, Nov 13)

The Taifa Stars fell in Uyo after conceding inside two minutes to Alhassan Yusuf. Alphonce Mabula Msanga briefly restored parity for Tanzania in the 32nd minute, but a second-half brace from Super Eagles substitute Tolu Arokodare (52′, 60′) sealed victory for the hosts.

All three East African nations return to action on Tuesday for Matchday 4 of the qualifiers:

With the Group D tie evenly balanced at 2–2, the Harambee Stars welcome Bafana Bafana to Nairobi Under the Lights at Nyayo National Stadium:

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