Former Africa Cup of Nations winners Zambia suffered an early setback in qualifying for the 2023 finals as Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Comoros all won their opening fixtures.
Goals from Serge Aurier, Christian Kouame and Ibrahim Sangare consigned Zambia to a 3-1 defeat away against Ivory Coast in Group H.
Two-time African champions Ivory Coast are taking part in the qualifiers despite already being assured of a place at next year’s tournament as hosts.
As a result, only other side from their group will progress.
Comoros, one of the surprise packages at the 2021 Nations Cup finals in Cameroon earlier this year, joined the Elephants on three points at the top of Group H after beating Lesotho 2-0.
Those results mean Zambia, winners in 2012 will need a positive outcome when the Chipolopolo host Comoros on Tuesday in Lusaka.
Meanwhile, second-half efforts from Hassane Bande and Dango Ouattara gave Burkina Faso a 2-0 win over Cape Verde in Group B, with Eswatini grabbing a 2-2 draw away against Togo in the group’s other game.
