Algeria, Africa's best rated team in the latest FIFA Rankings, needed two late goals to seal a 3-1 win over 128th-placed Lesotho in African Nations Cup qualifying on Sunday.
El-Arbi Hilal Soudani struck twice in the last five minutes to defeat the spirited hosts after Ralekoti Mokhahlane had equalised Faouzi Ghoulam's first half effort.
The result sees Algeria take a two point lead in Group J after Ethiopia and Seychelles could only draw on Saturday.
In Group I, Ivory Coast began their African title defence with a 0-0 draw against Sierra Leone in Nigeria.
Without captain Yaya Toure and other star players, the Ivorians were uninspiring in their first qualifier, and their first game under new coach Michel Dussuyer.
Egypt went top of Group G with a comprehensive 5-1 rout away against Chad.
Basem Morsi scored a hat trick, while Mohamed Salah and Mahmoud Kahraba rounded out the scoring for the North Africans. Ezechiel Ndouasel tallied the lone goal for the hosts
Group B leaders Angola were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw against bottom-placed Madagascar, while Central African Republic beat DR Congo 2-0 at home to move level points with their opponent in second place.
Kenya went ahead in their Group E game with Zambia though Michael Olunga's 15th minute strike, but lost 2-1 as Winston Kalengo and Collins Mbesuma hit back before half-time.
The result saw Zambia catch Congo at the top of the table, with Kenya and Guinea-Bissau three points behind.
Cape Verdi joined Morocco atop Group F with a 2-1 defeat of Libya.
Libya's Almaetasm Almosrat cancelled out Carlos da Graca's opener in the 85th minute, but Ryan Mendes secured the crucial points for the Cape Verdians.
Mauritius picked up a valuable 1-0 home win over Mozambique in Group H to move within three points of leaders Ghana. Louis Pithia's 51st minute strike was the only goal of the game.
In Group L, Guinea were left at the bottom after all four teams came away with draws.
Guinea drew 1-1 in Zimbabwe, with Ibrahima Traore putting them ahead inside three minutes, but Knowledge Musona netted an equaliser before half-time.
The same group saw Swaziland come from behind twice in a 2-2 draw against Malawi that sees them top the table after two games.
In Group M, Vincent Aboubakar's 65th-minute goal lifted Cameroon to the top of the table after a 1-0 defeat of Gambia.
In Group C action, hosts Benin salvaged a draw against Mali when Jordan Adeoti's 34th-minute goal cancelled out Abdoulaye Diaby strike 13 minutes before.