From March 20 to 24, the third day of qualifying for the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations 2023 took place, which will take place in January 2024.
Note that following the results of this day, Morocco is the first nation qualified for the high mass of African football.
Here’s a summary of the situation heading into day six.
Group A
The surprise came from Guinea-Bissau winner of the Nigeria 1-0 in Abuja. This victory allows Djurtus to seven points, one more than the Super Eagles. In the group’s other match, Sao Tome and Principe takes its first point of the competition thanks to a draw against the Sierra Leone 2-2.
The Leone Stars thus point to third place in the group with two points, Sao Tomé is fourth with one point. The Verde-Amarelos are condemned to a victory on their land if they do not want to see the hopes of qualifying for the final stages fly away.
Group B
Semi-finalist of the 2021 edition, the Burkina Faso prevails in this group. The Stallions beat the Togo 1-0, thus chaining three consecutive victories. A dynamic that contrasts with that of their opponents of the day. The Eperviers had a hard time in this qualifying phase, they find themselves at the back of the pack with one point and will have to win the return match against the Burkinabés under penalty of being eliminated from the race for Côte d’Ivoire.
For his part, the Cape Verde is second in the group with four points ahead of theIn Swat, after their 0-0 draw. In the next round, the islanders must win to maintain their chances of qualification.
Group C
The Cameroon was held 1-1 by the Namibia at home, but remain at the top of this group made up of three teams. Note that the Kenyawho was to be part of this group, did not participate in the playoffs due to a suspension imposed by FIFA.
Namibia are second with two points, after back-to-back draws, while Burundi brings up the rear with a point.
Namibia hosts the Indomitable Lions this week, in a match that both countries must win. Cameroon will qualify for Ivory Coast if they win.
Group D
Vice-champion of Africa in title, theEgypt leads this group with six points, level on points with second-placed Guinea.
The Pharaohs defeated the Malawi 2-0 during this round to take the lead in this group, the Flames are in third place with three points. The two selections will face off again in Blantyre this week.
Winner 2-0 againstEthiopiathe Guinea kept his hopes of qualifying.
Group E
At the end of the suspense, the Ghana prevailed against theAngola 1-0 in Kumasi. The Blacks Stars lead the group with seven points, three ahead of Palancas Negras.
The Ghanaians, under new coach Chris Hughton, can earn their ticket to the tournament this week if they manage to win in Luanda.
For its part, Angola is obliged to impose itself to keep its chances.
The Central African Republic has the wind in its sails and its 3-0 victory over Madagascar allows him to have four points, with a lower goal difference.
Madagascar trail the pack with one point and have their work cut out for the away leg.
Group F
Invincible, l’Algeria chain of victories and retains the lead of his group with nine points. Les Fennecs won against Niger 2-1 at home and travel to Niamey for the second leg this week. Djamel Belmadi’s men only need one point to qualify.
The Nigeriens, who have two points, are obliged to win if they want to maintain their ambition to qualify for the next round.
The Tanzania is second in the group with four points, after beating theUganda 1-0 in the East African derby played in Cairo. For the second leg, a loss would dash the Skulls’ hopes of qualifying, while home-field advantage Tanzania could take a step closer to qualifying if they win.
Group G
The Mali knows only victory. After beating the Gambia 2-0, the Eagles have nine points and are getting closer to Côte d’Ivoire.
With two consecutive defeats, Gambia are in survival and occupy the second place with three points.
The South Sudan can dare to dream of a first qualification after their surprising 2-1 victory over the Congo, which allows him to climb to second place, thanks to a better goal difference compared to the Scorpions. The Congolese are last in this pool.
Group H
The Ivory Coast, who have already qualified as hosts, lead the group with seven points. The good deal of the day comes from the Zambiawho beat the Lesotho 3-1 at Ndola, moving into second place with six points.
The Chipolopolos will boost their chances if they manage to prevail against the South Africans both home and away.
THE Comoroswho lost 3-1 to the Ivorians, are third with three points, and must win against the Elephants at home this week to stay in contention.
Group I
The Gabon beat them Sudan 1-0 to lead this group with seven points. The Sudanese will have a lot to do in the second leg since they are third with three points. Only a victory can give them hope.
After two consecutive defeats in the first two matches, the RD Congo got back on track by winning 3-1 in Lubumbashi against the Mauritania.
Group J
The Tunisia is still undefeated after three matches. His 3-0 win over the Libya allows him to score seven points. The Libyans are third in the group with three points and are preparing to play at home in the second leg this week. If they win in Benghazi, Tunisia will qualify.
Victorious against Botswana 2-0, the Equatorial Guinea are second with six points, while the Batswana are bottom with just one point.
K-group
While leading 2-0, theSouth Africa was overtaken by Liberia 2-2. The Bafana Bafana have only one point for a single draw and must beat the Liberia in Monrovia to remain optimistic.
The Johannesburg result was a blessing for the Moroccowho qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, as they already have six points after two matches.
Group L
The Senegal, defending champion, showed all his power by defeating the Mozambique 5-1. A victory that allows the Teranga Lions to get closer to qualifying to defend their title. Aliou Cissé’s men only need one point to score their ticket to Côte d’Ivoire.
Mozambique are second with four points and will once again challenge the Senegalese, this time in Maputo.
The Rwanda are third in the group after their 1-1 draw against the Benign. A victory for the Amavubi would keep their hopes afloat while diminishing those of Benin.
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