Ahead of the Upcoming AFCON to take place in Ivory Coast later this year, African teams will be taking part in the last round of Qualifying games for the Continental Jamboree.
Let's take a look at some of the games to watch!
48 teams entered the final qualification phase, but only half of these teams will be present in the Ivory Coast for the Final Phase of the Competition which will run from 13th January to 11th to February 2024.
AFCON 2023 Qualifiers: Games to watch out
16 teams have already booked their spot for Cote D'Ivoire 2023 ahead of the final round of games, but there are still eight spots up for grabs.
Here are a some high stake games to watch in this final round of AFCON 2023 qualifiers:
- CAMEROON vs BURUNDI (Group C)
Match Date: 12- 09-2023 Perhaps the most crucial encounter will be played between the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and The swallows of Burundi.
The five time African Champions have faced a lot of difficulties in sailing through a three team qualifying group, earning 4 points in 3 matches played, including 1-nil win over their next opponents Burundi.
Cameroon will have to defeat Burundi to get a sure qualification for the AFCON.
Burundi will be hoping to pull a major upset by knocking out the Western African giants.
Major players such as Andre Onana, Njie Clinton, and Harold Moukoudi are back in the Lions Den to represent their Nation after months of absence.
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- GHANA vs. CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC (Group E)
Match Date: 07- 09-2023
VENUE: Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Ghana
The next Critical encounter will be between Ghana and Central African Republic. As one of the toughest groups of the qualifies, both teams seem to have equal chances of qualifying if they can pick a win.
Ghana is toping the Group with 9 points, closely followed by Angola (8points), and Central African Republic follows with (7 points), all teams will be on the verge of qualification and possibly elimination.
The threat remains in this group because the top 3 teams are fighting for a spot at the top and no team is assured qualifications yet. The Black Stars of Ghana will be aiming to earn their 5th AFCON trophy.
At the time of publishing, this game has already been played, and Ghana has won The Central African Republic 2-1, goals from Ernest Nuamah and Mohammed Kudus.
- MOZAMBIQUE vs. BENIN (Group L)
Match Date: 09 - 09-2023
VENUE: Estádio do Zimpeto, Benin
This encounter will be a critical one, with both teams on the edge of qualification, Mozambique will be aiming to pick a draw or a win from the encounter, meanwhile, Benin will need a straight win to Qualify.
Africa Champions Senegal earned their spot at the top of the table with 13 points. This leaves Mozambique and Benin to tussle for the second spot in the group.
In their last encounter, Mozambique beat Benin 1-nail to gain a 2-point edge.
Mozambique and Benin will be looking for their 5th appearance at the AFCON trophy.
- CONGO vs GAMBIA (Group G)
Match Date: 10 - 09-2023
VENUE: Stade de Marrakech, Morocco
This encounter has been termed the miracle game. This will be the encounter where Africans hope to see Congo beat Gambia in a 5-nail difference to earn their spot at the AFCON.
The Congolese will hope to break the 3-point gap and 4-goal tally that separates them from qualification at the AFCON 2023.
Congo will be looking to make their 8th run for the AFCON meanwhile Gambia will look to make their 2nd appearance.
At this stage of the qualifies, Nigeria, Egypt Algeria, Mali, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea, South Africa, Morocco, and Senegal are assured of Qualification for the AFCON Slated to Kickoff on 13th January 2024 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan.
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