Guinea-Bissau and Malawi played out a hard-fought 1–1 draw in a competitive encounter, while Cameroon moved a step closer to qualification with an emphatic 5–0 victory over Botswana in their respective fixtures.

 

In Guinea-Bissau, all remains to play for after the hosts and Malawi ended level in an evenly matched contest. The home side took the lead shortly after the restart when Quita Da Silva produced a moment of brilliance, curling a superb free-kick into the net in the 48th minute.

 

Malawi, however, responded with resilience and determination. Their persistence was rewarded in the 75th minute when Sarah Mlimbika went on a strong individual run before finishing calmly to restore parity. Despite late pressure from both teams, neither could find a decisive goal, setting up a crucial return leg scheduled for February 14.

 

Meanwhile, Cameroon delivered a commanding performance to overwhelm Botswana 5–0, taking firm control of their tie ahead of the second leg.

 

Effa Essomba opened the scoring in the 18th minute from the penalty spot, before Beverly Nimpa doubled Cameroon’s advantage just past the half-hour mark. The hosts maintained their dominance after the break, with Rachou Assako adding a third goal early in the second half.

 

Further goals from Aurore Tsimi, who converted another penalty in the 68th minute, and Andree Ngo Bilong in the 74th minute completed a comprehensive victory.

 

The convincing win leaves Cameroon firmly in the driving seat ahead of the return leg on February 13, while Guinea-Bissau and Malawi will head into their second meeting knowing the outcome is still wide open.