The Africa qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup will kick off tomorrow with the Seychelles vs Gabon match. During this international break, matches across the continent will continue until September 9.
At the end of this stage, only the winners of the nine groups will qualify for next year’s finals.
The four best runners-up will enter the play-offs in November for another chance to qualify. Only 48 national teams from around the world will secure a place in the finals.
EGYPT MAINTAINS LEAD
In Group A, Egypt leads by 5 points. If they win their matches this week, they will secure qualification for the finals.
In Group B, DR Congo, Senegal, and Sudan are competing for the top spot, with only a single point separating them. Any result is possible after this week’s matches.
GROUP C IN TURMOIL, SOUTH AFRICA FACING POTENTIAL PENALTY
Group C sees South Africa leading with 13 points; however, the country may face point deductions due to a rule violation.
This makes all results in the group possible. Nigeria, one of the favorites in the qualifiers, has only collected 7 points and must win all remaining matches.
Group D features Cameroon and Cape Verde competing for the top position.
MOROCCO, IVORY COAST, TUNISIA, AND GHANA IN ADVANTAGE
In Group E, Morocco, who reached the semi-finals in the previous tournament, needs only 3 points and is expected to comfortably top the group.
In Group F, Gabon and last year’s AFCON champions Ivory Coast are battling for the lead. Ivory Coast remains unbeaten and has not conceded a goal in the group.
Group G sees Algeria ahead of its rivals, while Group H has Tunisia in a favorable position.
Finally, in Group I, Ghana holds an advantageous position compared to its competitors. After this week’s matches, most outcomes will be largely decided.