The 2019 IBSA Blind Football African Championships started in style, if a little later than scheduled, yesterday when Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Executive Governor of Enugu State in Nigeria, took the ceremonial kick-off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Following the opening protocol, play got underway when the hosts made their international debut against Cameroon. Nigeria surprised their more experienced rivals and won the match 2-1, to the delight of the large crowd in the stadium.

Caption: Nigeria takes to the field yesterday.

In yesterday's other group A match, Ivory Coast saw off debutants Libya by 2 goals to nil.

Group B got underway in the last two games of the day, and it was Egypt who took an early lead thanks to a 5-0 victory over the third team making its debut at these championships – Niger. Before that, reigning African Champions Morocco proved to be too strong for Mali and ran out 5-2 winners.

Ivory Coast and Egypt lead the groups but it's early days yet and the action continues later today.

Monday 25th November – group stage results

Nigeria 2 Cameroon 1
Libya 0 Ivory Coast 2
Morocco 5 Mali 2
Niger 0 Egypt 5
 
Tuesday 26th November – group stage fixtures

09:00 Nigeria vs Libya
11:30 Cameroon vs Ivory Coast
14:00 Morocco vs Niger
16:30 Mali vs Egypt

The 2019 IBSA Blind Football African Championships are hosted by the Bina Foundation.

Matches will be streamed live on the Bina Foundation Facebook page.

Caption: poster for the 2019 IBSA Blind Football African Championships.