Afcon 2015: Qualification Update

Following the weekend’s fixtures, 10 of the 16 participants at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations are now known. However, there are still six spots up for grabs—on Wednesday the list of invitees to the continent’s high table will be confirmed.

Erstwhile Afcon hosts Morocco had been the first team to confirm their spot at Africa’s showpiece, but having requested a postponement of the tournament in light of the Ebola epidemic, the North African side have been disqualified.

In their place, Equatorial Guinea—previously disqualified themselves for fielding an ineligible player—qualify as hosts.

Ahead of the latest round of qualifiers, two other sides had already confirmed their spot among the elite.

Impressively, Cape Verde—minnows only a few years ago—became the first name to escape from the groups having picked up three wins and one defeat from their opening four matches. It is testament to the island nation’s growth that their progression was greeted with warm applause rather than the disbelief when they made their maiden appearance in 2013.

The Lusophone side deserve respect for their sustained growth, but it’s worth noting that their qualifying group—containing Zambia, Mozambique and Niger—was one of the weakest.

The Sharks were joined by Algeria who perpetuated their 100 percent qualifying record with a victory over Ethiopia this weekend.

The Desert Foxes are continuing their excellent World Cup form and ought to be installed immediately as favourites for the African title. Christian Gourcuff’s side have now won 15 of their last 20 matches.


Algeria | Early Favourites

In Group A, South Africa began the post-Senzo Meyiwa era with a 2-1 victory over Sudan which confirmed their place in Equatorial Guinea. Fittingly, perhaps, they conceded a goal (they had previously kept four clean sheets under their late skipper) but looked tenacious and inventive under new captain Dean Furman.

Nigeria will join Bafana unless the Republic of Congo better their result on Wednesday. The Super Eagles welcome South Africa to Uyo, while the Red Devils travel to already-eliminated Sudan.

Mali hold the advantage over Malawi in Group B, but the Eagles must welcome all-conquering Algeria, while Malawi travel to Ethiopia, who are out of the running. Mali could have had qualification sown up, but defeat in Blantyre on Saturday means this one will go down to the wire.

Group C is largely done and dusted. Burkina Faso and Gabon have taken first and second spot (although the exact order remains to be seen) and will be present in Equatorial Guinea. Angola could possibly join then as the best third-placed team should they beat the Stallions in Ouagadougou and results go their way.

In Group D, Cameroon, who have won four and drawn one, are well on the way to completing their post-World Cup 2014 redemption with comfortable progression. Despite being drawn in a tricky pool, the Indomitable Lions could complete an excellent few weeks by eliminating the Cote d’Ivoire when they meet in Abidjan.


Renard | Undone by the defence 

If Cameroon can win here, and if the Democratic Republic of Congo beat Sierra Leone, then the Leopards and not Herve Renard’s Elephants would qualify in second place by virtue of the four goals they scored in Abidjan.

Any of the four teams in Group E could still top the pool, making Wednesday’s matches in Tamale and Casablanca among the most-anticipated across the continent. Ghana have laboured through this qualification campaign, looking lethargic and uninspired. They have been held by Guinea and Uganda and were defeated by the Cranes in Kampala on Saturday. However, a victory or a draw against a fairly hapless Togo side would see them in Equatorial Guinea.

Uganda meet Guinea in Morocco knowing that a draw would see them through in second spot regardless of the result in the other match.

2012 champions Zambia will be present in January after Given Singuluma’s 57-th minute goal gave them a 1-0 victory over Mozambique. Chipolopolo join Cape Verde in progressing from this pool.

A win—and only a win—for the Mambas in Niamey could see them top the best-third-placed team table, but this would require other results to go their way.

Finally, in Group G, Tunisia and Senegal received their invitations for the 2015 Cup of Nations after drawing with Botswana and beating Egypt respectively. The Lions of Teranga deserve great credit for responding to their disappointing defeat in Monastir with a terrific performance in Cairo.

Mame Biram Diouf’s early goal deflated the Egyptians, who look set to miss out on their third consecutive Afcon. Only a win will do for the Pharaohs, but considering their record away at their North African rivals, it’s highly unlikely that the fallen giants will need to consider flights to Equatorial Guinea.

Five automatic places (in four different groups) are up for grabs, while teams from any of the eight pools could feasibly qualify as the best third-placed team. Wednesday promises to be a spectacular day of African action, so stay tuned to Goal Nigeria and our Twitter handle @GoalcomNigeria to follow every moment and every kick.