Zamalek striker Razak Omotoyossi guided Benin to a precious victory, while South Africa and Angola were held to surprising draws in the first round of the African World Cup qualifiers. In Group H, the Squirrels of Benin registered a vital 1-0 win over Mali in Cotonou, courtesy of a first-half goal from star striker Omotoyossi. Elsewhere, South Africa were held to a 1-1 home draw by minnows Ethiopia, with Katlego Mphela saving Bafana Bafana with a 77th minute equalizer. Angola were held by the same scoreline against Uganda after conceding a late goal from Emmanuel Okwi after Djalma had given the hosts the lead. Nigeria struggled to beat Namibia 1-0 at home as Ikechukwu Uche netted the winner ten minutes from the end. Libya drew 1-1 in Togo while Niger and Gabon played out a goalless draw in Niamey. In Group G, Guinea grabbed a 1-0 win over Zimbabwe in Harare.
