On Wednesday a number of African sides were involved in friendly international matches, making use of the FIFA match days to prepare for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and World Cup qualifying late this year.

South Africa defeated Swaziland 3-1 in Mbabane on Wednesday evening. Bafana stand-in skipper on the night, Thulani Hlatshwayo got the ball rolling for South Africa with a header before debutant Thabo Mnyamane made it 2-0. Felix Badenhorst scored a consolation for the Swazis before a final goal from Mandla Masango made it 3-1 to Bafana.

South Africa’s next opponent on Sunday, Nigeria stumbled to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Uganda, with the Super Eagles struggling to find their feet in Uyo. The encounter ended in favour of the visiting Cranes thanks to a 81st minute goal from Farouq Miya.

The most exciting match of the day was a 4-3 victory for Gabon over Mali, with Drissa Diakite scoring early for the Eagles before an equaliser on 36 minutes from Malick Evouna.

Molla Wague put Mali ahead in the 57th minute, but Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was keen to respond with two quick goals to restore the lead for Gabon. In stunning fashion Bakary Sako leveled the match once again, but a last gasp winner from Bruni Ecuele Manga ensured that Gabon walked away with the victory.

Earlier in the day the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon registered a 1-0 victory against Indonesia in a friendly at the Gelora Delta Stadium in Sidoarjo. Striker Vincent Aboubakar was the goalscorer on that occasion, finding the back of the net in the 36th minute.