Algeria and Tunisia kicked off their respective 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns with home wins, although Ghana lost in their own backyard.
Thursdays action began with a 3-2 win for Burundi against Malawi at the Bingu National Stadium.
The Swallows took the lead three times through Chimwemwe Idanas own-goal (22), Jean-Claude Girumugisha (33) and Mokono Eldhino (87), with Chawanangwa Kawonga (31) and Lanjesi Nkhoma (75) replying twice for the Flames.
Central African Republic made a strong start in Group B after they cruised to a 3-1 victory over Lesotho at the Ben MHamed El Abdi Stadium in Morocco.
A first-half brace from Louis Mafouta (1, 24) put the Wild Beasts in command at the break and Goduine Koyalipou wrapped up all three points on 62 minutes after Motebang Sera (56) had pulled one back for the Crocodiles.
