The Pharaohs celebrate their late winner against Cranes at Afcon. Egypt and Nigeria have already qualified for the world’s biggest tournament. PML Daily photo.
By Bryson Mykol
FOOTBALL–As the final round of the qualification of Africa continent unfold this weekend, three of the five berths at next year’s tournament will be determined.
As Nigeria and Egypt already qualified after emerging winners of Group B and E respectively, a variety of possible scenarios could transpire on final matches; PML Daily looks at the permutations in groups A, C and D.
Group A
(Dr. Congo v Guinea, Tunisia v Libya)
A win for Tunisia at home against Libya will see the northerners return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2006. Tunisia will also qualify even if Libya comes up winners, provided Congo falls to Guinea.
On the other side, if Tunisia losses and Congo wins, the qualified team from this group will be determined by goal difference.
Group B
(Algeria v Nigeria, Zambia v Cameroon)
Nigeria has already qualified for 2018 Russia World Cup
Group C
(Ivory Coast Vs Morocco, Gabon Vs Mali
The mathematics of pool C is quite simple. Morocco are guaranteed qualification if they get an away win from Ivory Coast. However, a draw or win for the hosts will see them qualify.
A result of any kind from Gabon-Mali tie will not affect the qualification process of this pool.
Group D
(South Africa Vs Senegal; Senegal Vs South Africa, Burkina Faso Vs Cape Verde)
Looking keenly, all teams in pool C have chances to qualify but in the event of Senegal, on Saturday, taking three points from South Africa, the Lions of Teranga will have secured a ticket to Russia.
A draw will also be enough for Senegal if, four days later, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde tie also ends in stalemate.
Conversely, a victory for South Africa on Saturday will leave all the four sides still very much in the hunt with one match remaining.
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