Algeria started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a bang after thrashing ten-man Djibouti 8-0, with Islam Slimani netting four goals at Stade Mustapha Tchaker.
Slimani gave the Desert Foxes an early two-goal lead and things got worse for Djibouti after they were reduced to ten men in the 23rd minute following the red-card of Batio Mohamed Youssouf.
Ramy Bensabaini and Baghdad Bounedjah gave the hosts a 4-0 lead heading to the half-time break and Slimani got two further goals early in the second stanza, completing his hat-trick before late goals by Riyad Mahrez and Ramiz Zerrouki completed the rout.
Morocco opened their qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Sudan at Stade Moulay Abdallah.
Nayef Aguerd gave the Atlas Lions an early lead in the tenth minute and an own goal by Abuaagla Abdalla early in the second stanza handed Morocco the three points.
Democratic Republic of Congo had a slow start in Group J after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Tanzania at Stade du TP Mazembe in Lubumbashi.
Veteran striker Dieumerci Mbokani broke the deadlock for DRC midway through the first stanza but only for Simon Msuva to snatch the equaliser nine minutes before the break for the Taifa Stars.
Namibia and Congo opened their campaign in Group H with the share of the spoils after playing to a 1-1 draw at Orlando Stadium.
The Brave Warriors used Orlando Pirates' home venue as an alternative home ground after CAF declared the Sam Nujoma Stadium not in the right standard to host international matches.
South Africa-based and TS Sporting defender Vetunuavi Hambira got the breakthrough for Namibia in the 24th minute but the same player went on to score an own goal just before the hour-mark.
Kenya and Uganda cancelled each other out in their Group E opener after playing to a goalless draw in the East Africa derby at Nyayo National Stadium.
Burkina Faso enjoyed a winning start in Group A after beating Niger 2-0 at Stade de Marrakech.
After a goalless first stanza, Lassina Traore eventually broke the deadlock for the Stallions 14 minutes before time from the penalty spot and Mohamed Konate secured the three points three minutes later.
Benin made the perfect start in Group J after edging Madagascar 1-0 at Stade Municipal de Mahamasina.
Steve Mounie scored what proved to be the winner for the Squirrels midway through the first stanza.