BRAZZAVILLE/ PRAIA — Nigeria, Mali and Cape Verde secured their tickets in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
Mane’s Senegal, World Cup semifinalist Morocco, Egypt and Algeria have all qualified, with Egypt securing its place last week by coming from behind to beat Guinea 2-1. Morocco surprisingly lost 2-1 in South Africa, although both had already qualified.
Nigeria emerged triumphant in a thrilling encounter against Sierra Leone, prevailing with a 3-2 scoreline to secure their ticket in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire.
A brace by in-form striker Victor Osimhen helped the Super Eagles to the important away victory that helped the Super Eagles to win the match and secure their qualification for the tournament
Nigeria dominated the early exchanges and in the 19th minute, Osimhen lobbed the ball past Sierra Leone goalkeeper Ibrahim Sessay, igniting jubilation among the Super Eagles contingent.
Just three minutes later, Samuel Chukwueze came close to extending the lead, but his shot veered off target.
With a well-executed assist from Ahmed Musa, Osimhen capitalized on the defense’s neglect and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike, further cementing the Super Eagles’ advantage.
Osimhen’s brace also propelled him to the top of the scorer rankings with seven goals, surpassing Sadio Mane.
Mustapha Bundu restored hope for the Leone Stars when he struck from the edge of the box to reduce the deficit just before the break.
Sierra Leone emerged from half-time with renewed determination, launching relentless attacks on the Nigerian camp.
Their efforts bore fruit as Augustus Kargbo equalized, leveling the score at 2-2. The momentum clearly favored the Sierra Leoneans, who continued to create opportunities, albeit leaving gaps for the ever-vigilant Super Eagles.
In the end, it was Kelechi Iheanacho who seized the moment, securing Nigeria’s qualification with a crucial goal. This result also guarantees qualification for Guinea-Bissau.
Cape Verde secures qualification
Cape Verde showcased their dominance in a resounding 3-1 triumph over Burkina Faso at the Estadio Nacional de Cabo Verde.
The spectators erupted with joy as Bebé opened the scoring in the 7th minute, expertly finishing off a play orchestrated by Cape Verde’s Patrick Andrade.
Comfortable on home turf, the Islanders seized control of the game, leaving their Burkinabe opponents devoid of offensive tactics.
A notable instance saw Tapsoba failing to capitalize on an opportunity created by the Cape Verdean defense’s lapse.
While the Blue Sharks impressed offensively, they did encounter some lapses in concentration during defensive transitions.
Taking advantage of these moments, Issoufou Dayo found the back of the net with a scrambled finish just before halftime.
As the teams emerged from the locker room, the Burkinabe side failed to regain their composure, losing their captain Bertrand Traoré to injury.
A significant blow for the semi-finalists of the previous AFCON, who found themselves suffocated by their West African rivals.
Fernandes’ 76th-minute strike from the right wing restored the advantage for Cape Verde.
In the dying moments of the game, Andrade delivered the final blow, netting the third goal past Kilian Nikiema.
With this remarkable victory, Cape Verde secures their place in the upcoming Côte d’Ivoire tournament, marking a significant achievement for the Blue Sharks.
Mali seals AFCON spot
Mali emerged victorious in a 2-0 triumph over Congo during the CAF 2023 qualifiers.
The match started with a goalless first half, but the Malian team showcased an entirely different level of play after the break.
The Eagles unleashed a series of incisive attacks, ultimately breaking the deadlock through Ibrahima Kone.
Capitalizing on their excellent phases of play, Malian coach Eric Chelle made a few strategic changes.
The introduction of Nene Dorgeles in place of Kamory Doumbia proved to be a winning move, as Dorgeles found the back of the net just four minutes after coming on.
With a 2-0 lead firmly in their grasp, Mali skillfully navigated the rest of the match without conceding.
This victory secures Mali’s qualification for the highly anticipated CAF Côte d’Ivoire 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
There were about 55 seconds left to play when Nigeria left back Zaidu Sanusi cut through the defense and provided a cross for Leicester’s Iheanacho to tap in to take the Super Eagles to the African Cup. Guinea-Bissau also qualified from Group A alongside Nigeria.
Five-time African champion Cameroon and four-time champion Ghana are the biggest teams still to seal their places and both face nervous final qualifiers.
Cameroon’s fate will be decided in a home game against Burundi in September, by which time the Cameroonians could have slipped down to third in their group.
Ghana was held 0-0 in Madagascar when a win would have meant qualification, and now must get at least a draw at home to Central African Republic in its last qualifier. Ghana tops Group E but only two points separate it, Angola in second and Central African Republic in third.
Algeria overcomes Uganda
Algerian overcame hosts Uganda 2-1 at the Japoma Stadium in Douala to register their fifth consecutive victory in Group F.
The result puts the North Africans in pole position of the group, while Uganda’s dream of qualifying for next year’s continental showpiece hangs in the balance as they remain in third place.
Mohamed Lamine Amoura, who was a threat all afternoon scored a brace to cement Algeria’s qualification while Uganda’s consolation was found by Fahd Bayo.
Amoura found the opener in the 42nd minute to give the visitors a confidence boosting lead ahead of the break.
Uganda tried to get back into the game after the break but found a highly alert goalkeeper, Anthony Mandrea who kept them at bay.
Amoura then doubled the lead in the 66th minute, as he took advantage of by Riyad Mahrez to easily pass into the net.
Fahd Bayo found his side’s first and only goal in the 88th minute which was unfortunately too late as the match went 2-1 in favour of Algeria.
Eswatini 0-2 Togo
Togo registered an important 2-0 victory away to Eswatini in their group B TotalEnergies AFCON 2023 Qualifier in a result that put the hosts’ qualification in the balance.
The result meant Togo goes up to third place in Group B, as they continue to fight for a place in Cote D’Ivoire next year.
The first goal of the match was scored by the striker Kevin Dinky, in the 14th minute of the match before Ilogi Placa doubled the lead in the dying minutes to seal the victory for the visitors.
While Eswatini created a number of chances, they were let down by poor finishing and the outstanding Wasio Gneni in goal, who kept a clean sheet and secured valuable points for Togo.
