Benin and Burkina Faso secured vital away victories in their opening matches of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on Thursday while in South Africa, Namibia and Congo shared the spoils.

Madagascar 0 – 1 Benin

At the Municipal Stadium of Mahamasina, Benin gave themselves a brilliant start in the qualification journey towards Qatar, beating home side Madagascar by a solitary goal.

Michel Dussuyer’s Squirells got the all important goal in the 22nd minute, star player Steve Mounie hitting the back of the net with a well angled header from a corner.

The victory in the island nation saw Benin go top of the group after DR Congo and Tanzania played out to a 1-1 draw in the other group match played earlier on Thursday.

Niger 0 – 2 Burkina Faso

At the Grand Stade in Marrakech, Morocco, Burkina Faso got the better of the hosting team Niger, beating them 2-0. Niger were staging their match in Morocco as their home stadium in Niamey is yet to be approved to host international matches.

After a goalless first half, the game grew into life in the second period with Burkina Faso scoring twice in the last 15 minutes of the game.

Lassina Traoré opened the scoring in the 76th minute before Mohamed Konate doubled the tally for the Burkinabe Stallions three minutes later.

In the group’s other match, the reigning African Champions Algeria will face off with Djibouti and before then, Burkina Faso will assume leadership of Group A.

Namibia 1 – 1 Congo

At Orlando Stadium in Johannesburg, Namibia “Brave Warrriors” were held by visitors Congo. Namibia opened the scoring in the 24th minute, when Deon Hotto’s free kick found the head of defender Charles Hambira who broke the deadlock for Namibia.

Paul Put's Red Devils find it difficult to revive, but found their way back in the 57th minute when Hambira, who opened the scoring for the Brave Warriors, deflected a shot into his own net.

Housed in Group H, Congo and Namibia will face Senegal and Togo respectively on the second day of the group stage.