2013 continental champions Nigeria have booked their spot at next year’s edition, but several other bigwigs could still get knocked out if they fail to win their decider
Soccernet.ng highlights the state of play of each group ahead of the last round of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
GROUP A
Nigeria and Guinea Bissau have already qualified for Ivory Coast 2023, having bagged 12 and 10 points, respectively, ahead of Sierra Leone (5) and Sao Tome and Principe (1).
This situation leaves the Super Eagles’ game against Sao Tome and Principe, as well as Guinea Bissau’s clash with Sierra Leone, as mere formalities.
Fixtures
Nigeria vs Sao Tome and Principe
Guinea-Bissau vs Sierra Leone
GROUP B
The situation in this group is similar to Group A, as Burkina Faso and Cape Verde have sealed the top two spots before their final matchdays.
The two countries have each won three games, drawn one, and lost the other to boast ten points apiece, leaving Togo (5) and Eswatini (2) with no chance of a comeback.
Fixtures
Burkina Faso vs Eswatini
Togo vs Cape Verde
GROUP C
Matters get a bit more interesting as Cameroon, Namibia, and Burundi can all still qualify. Only three nations featured in this division, as Kenya were disqualified due to a FIFA ban.
Namibia sit on top with 5 points from their four games and will watch Cameroon take on Burundi, who have four points each, with keen interest. Whoever wins will join Namibia to seal a spot at the AFCON.
However, in the event of a draw, all three teams will end up with five points and a similar goal difference. In this case, several criteria, including the drawing of lots, could be needed to determine the two qualifiers.
Fixture
Cameroon vs Burundi
GROUP D
Seven-time champions Egypt and 1976 runners-up Guinea have confirmed their places at Ivory Coast 2023 with a game to spare.
The Pharaohs won four and lost one of their five games, while the Guineans claimed three wins and lost twice.
Even with wins in their last games, Malawi and Ethiopia (both on four points) stand no chance of making next year’s championship.
Fixtures
Egypt vs Ethiopia
Malawi vs Guinea
GROUP E
Ghana have not lost a game so far, but they are still not sure of a qualifying spot.
With nine points from two wins and three draws, the Blacks stars are only one point ahead of second-place Angola and have two more than the Central Africa Republic in third.
Ghana have their destiny in their own hands, though, as they host the CAR on Thursday with a win or draw good enough to secure their passage.
Angola will fancy their chances of beating Madagascar on home soil, which will be enough to qualify.
However, a win for Angola over the Madagascans and a Ghana defeat to the Central Africans in Kumasi would knock the Black Stars out of the AFCON.
Fixtures
Ghana vs Central Africa Republic
Angola vs Madagascar
GROUP F
Algeria, the only nation with a perfect run of five wins, are through to the AFCON, leaving Tanzania and Uganda to battle for the other qualifying place. Niger, with only two points, are out of the contest.
To qualify, Tanzania must avoid defeat in Algeria, a task no team has managed thus far. They can, however, still make the cut should Uganda fail to carve out an away win in Niger.
Fixtures
Algeria vs Tanzania
Niger vs Uganda
GROUP G
Mali are the runaway leaders with 12 points, leaving little excitement for their last group match against the basement team, South Sudan.
The second group match between Gambia and Congo is where the fireworks are expected.
Gambia boast nine points and will play host to Congo who are in third place with six points, in a winner-takes-all situation. A draw, however, will be in Gambia’s favour.
Fixtures
Mali vs South Sudan
Gambia vs Congo
GROUP H
Zambia and 2023 AFCON hosts Côte d’Ivoire have been the super teams in Group H and are guaranteed their respective spots in the tournament.
The AFCON dreams of Comoros and Lesotho have long been extinguished.
Fixtures
Côte d’Ivoire vs Lesotho
Comoros vs Zambia
GROUP I
All four teams in Group I can still qualify as only three points separate Congo DR in first place and Sudan in fourth.
Congo DR will host Sudan in Kinshasha, knowing a win or draw will be enough for them. If they lose, though, 1970 champions Sudan will secure their 10th appearance at the championship.
The other clash is between Mauritania and Gabon in Nouakchott on Saturday, with the winner guaranteed their place in Côte d’Ivoire.
Fixtures
Congo DR vs Sudan
Mauritania vs Gabon
GROUP J
Issues in this group have long been settled with Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia through to the finals while Botswana and Libya are out.
Fixtures
Libya vs Equatorial Guinea
Tunisia vs Botswana
GROUP K
With Zimbabwe disqualified, only three teams – South Africa, Morocco, and Liberia – competed for the two qualifying spots in Group K.
And after two victories each, the Bafana Bafana and the Atlas Lions are through to the next edition of the AFCON.
Morocco can, however, finish as group leaders if they beat Liberia in Agadir on Saturday.
Fixture
Morocco vs Liberia
GROUP L
Reigning champions Senegal have had little trouble navigating the tricky waters of Group L. Sadio Mane and co have four wins and a draw to finish as group leaders.
With five points, Gernot Rohr’s Benin are in third place behind Senegal and Mozambique on seven points.
In what promises to be a cracker, Mozambique will play host to Benin on Saturday, knowing they only have to avoid defeat to condemn Benin to another AFCON miss.
Already-eliminated Rwanda (2 points) will travel to Senegal for their dead rubber game.
Fixture
Senegal vs Rwanda
Mozambique vs Benin
