Final sprint: The final challenges of qualifying for CAN 2024
Tension is mounting as the sixth and final day of qualifying for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations fast approaches. While fifteen teams have already obtained their ticket to Côte d’Ivoire, sixteen other countries are engaged in a fierce battle for the remaining nine places. In this article, we will dissect the challenges of this final sprint and the key confrontations not to be missed.
Group C: Cameroon under pressure against Burundi
In a group reduced to three teams after the exclusion of Kenya for political interference, Namibia find themselves in a relatively comfortable situation. However, nothing is decided yet, and all teams still have a chance to qualify. The decisive match will be played between Cameroon and Burundi. The Indomitable Lions, however considered as heavyweights of African football, risk elimination in the event of defeat at home. However, a draw would be enough for them to qualify at the expense of their opponent thanks to a better goal difference.
Group E: Ghana defends its position against Angola and the Central African Republic
Although already qualified for the 2022 World Cup, Ghana have not yet secured their place for AFCON 2024. Topping their group with 9 points, a simple tie in the final game would guarantee them qualification. . However, a defeat against the Central African Republic could cost them dearly. If Central Africa manages to win its match, it would qualify for the first time in its history. However, Angola, currently second with 8 points, could also qualify if they manage to beat Madagascar and Ghana lose to the Central African Republic.
Group F: Algeria already qualified, Tanzania against Uganda
In group F, Algeria seems unbeatable with a flawless performance. The Fennecs, already qualified, will play a role of referee in the duel between Tanzania and Uganda. Tanzania only need a draw to qualify, while Uganda not only need to win their match against Niger but also improve their goal difference to hope to qualify.
Group G: Gambia and Congo compete for the second ticket
Mali, first in the group with 12 points, has already validated its ticket for CAN 2024. Gambia, in search of its first qualification in the African Cup of Nations, seeks to qualify as second in the group. Their opponents, Congo, must absolutely win their last match against Gambia to have a chance of qualifying. However, this meeting promises to be difficult for Congo, which will have to achieve a feat to qualify at the expense of Gambia. South Sudan is already eliminated.
Group I: Everything remains possible
In Group I, all teams still have a chance to qualify. DR Congo, currently in the lead with 9 points, can be satisfied with a draw against Sudan to secure their ticket for the CAN. However, in the event of a surprise from the Crocodiles, last in the group with 6 points, who manage to win against DR Congo, the Leopards would be in danger, unless Mauritania and Gabon draw.
Group L: Mozambique and Benin compete for second place
Senegal, reigning CAN champions, have already secured their qualification and finish at the top of the group regardless of the result of their last match against Rwanda. Mozambique and Benin are in a tight battle to clinch second place. Mozambique has the advantage, since a draw is enough for them to qualify and they will play at home.
Group H: Ivory Coast aims for symbolic first place
As organizer of CAN 2024, Ivory Coast is already guaranteed to participate in the competition. Zambia, meanwhile, earned qualification on the pitch and are currently top of the group. The only challenge of this last day will be the distance fight between the Comoros and Zambia to finish at the top of group H, allowing Ivory Coast to symbolically finish first. Lesotho, meanwhile, is already eliminated.
Group K: Morocco aims for first place
In a group reduced to three teams following the exclusion of Zimbabwe, South Africa and Morocco have already secured their qualification for CAN 2024. The last day will therefore only be a formality for these two teams, but the The challenge will be to take first place in the group. South Africa, with 7 points, is currently in the lead, but Morocco, with 6 points, hopes to create a surprise and take first place.
The final qualifying sprint for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be exciting. The teams will play their all out to win their ticket to the competition. The upcoming matches promise thrilling encounters and intense football moments. Stay tuned to know the results and find out which teams will have the honor of representing their country at CAN 2024 in Ivory Coast.