Timothy Dehinbo
We’re getting close to the point in AFCON 2023 where we’ll start to see who’s really in the running. Two sets of group stage games have already happened, bringing us lots of action, some great goals, and unending excitement.
Now, as we get ready for the last round of group stage matches, there’s a bunch on the line. Only two teams have made it through so far, leaving spots for 14 more after game 3. The final set of games is pretty important across Groups A to F—what are the stakes?
Which teams will qualify? The top two teams from each of the 6 groups, along with 4 of the third-best-placed teams, will advance to the round of 16 stage.
We look closely at the group rankings and the third group stage matches ahead and the stakes.
GROUP A
Isn’t it interesting that Equatorial Guinea is currently leading a group with Nigeria and host Ivory Coast? They had a good win against Guinea Bissau and a draw against Nigeria, putting them in that position. Also, their striker Emilio Nsue is joint top on the scorers ranking with 3 goals.
The last set of matches in this group is scheduled for this evening, kicking off simultaneously at 5 pm GMT. Equatorial Guinea will face the host Ivory Coast, and Guinea Bissau will play against Nigeria.
Equatorial Guinea only requires a draw to secure at least the 2nd position, but they would also feel confident about facing the host. Ivory Coast, on the other hand, needs a win as it’s crucial for them; they don’t want to risk missing out on qualification.
Guinea Bissau hasn’t earned any points so far, and winning against Nigeria might offer them a slim chance—though challenging with a -4 goal difference. For Nigeria, a draw would be sufficient for the Super Eagles to advance, but they would aim to secure a victory and enter the next round with high confidence.
GROUP B
In the group featuring the already qualified Cape Verde, they are guaranteed to finish at the top, regardless of the game 3 outcomes. Tonight at 8 pm GMT, they will face 7-time champions Egypt, with Mozambique also playing against Ghana simultaneously.
In the clash against Cape Verde, Egypt, without their captain Moahammed Salah, aims for a crucial win to avoid an early exit. On the other hand, Cape Verde has the option to rest players or potentially eliminate a strong opponent from contention early on.
Ghana will hope to avoid a repeat of the AFCON 2021 scenario, where they suffered an early exit after losing to Comoros in game 3. The current situation is more challenging, with Mozambique, sharing one point with Ghana, having the opportunity to secure a win and accumulate 4 points. The AFCON 2021 experience saw Comoros, with zero points, securing a crucial victory that earned them a spot in the next round as one of the third-best-placed teams.
GROUP C
The group containing the second team to qualify, Senegal, will play against Guinea on Tuesday at 5 pm GMT simultaneously with the Gambia versus Cameroon match.
Guinea versus Senegal is set to be a clash where both teams strive to claim the top spot. A victory for Guinea secures their lead in the group, while Senegal aims to secure the top spot with just a draw.
Gambia is eager to earn their first point in the tournament against Cameroon, aiming for a chance to secure a third-place finish. Cameroon, on the other hand, is determined to win against Gambia, eyeing qualification as one of the potential third-best-placed teams or even securing the second spot, depending on the outcomes of the Guinea-Senegal match. The bronze medalist from AFCON 2021 will be keen to avoid an early exit.
GROUP D
Angola is currently leading the group with 4 points, and Burkina Faso is second, also with 4 points. Algeria holds the third spot with two points, while Mauritania is fourth with zero points.
Tomorrow at 8 PM GMT, Angola will face Burkina Faso, both vying for the top spot. Simultaneously, Mauritania will take on Algeria, with Algeria needing a win to secure qualification and potentially finish on top if the Angola-Mauritania match ends in a draw. Mauritania, on the other hand, can aim for a victory to enhance their chances among the third-best-placed teams for qualification.
GROUP E
Namibia will face Mali, and South Africa will compete against Tunisia in an open-ended group, scheduled for Wednesday at 5 PM GMT.
Mali leads the group with a victory over South Africa and a draw against Tunisia. South Africa holds the second spot after defeating Namibia in their second game. Namibia, following a surprising win against Tunisia, secures the third position, while Tunisia sits in fourth place with one point.
Mali will aim to secure the top spot by winning against Namibia, while Namibia recognizes that a victory guarantees their spot in the next round, with even a draw being favorable. South Africa controls their qualification fate and will be determined to give their all against Tunisia. Meanwhile, Tunisia will strive for a win against South Africa to enhance their chances in the competition.
GROUP F
At 8 PM GMT on Wednesday, the group stage phase will conclude with matches in this group. Morocco will face Zambia, and Tanzania will compete against DR Congo.
If Morocco secures a victory, they will clinch the top spot, and even a draw would likely ensure the same outcome. Zambia aims for a win to contend for a top spot finish, considering other results. DR Congo has the opportunity to vie for the top spot with a win against Tanzania. Reflecting the group’s unpredictability, a win for Tanzania could position them promisingly for a third-place or even a second-place finish.
The current standings of the third-placed teams after two matches
