The Road to Morocco is gathering pace and this past weekend the team's involved dictated their fate as the campaign shaped up.
But their were harsh lessons learnt and worthy reminders noted in the process.
Hence, supersport.com takes a close look at some of the tales, comeback, rebuilding, capitulation and new era stories.
1. Nigeria need the famous 'drawing board'
African champions suffered the first defeat at home since 1981, courtesy of a 3-2 defeat to Congo, a side that replaced a disqualified Rwanda in the qualifiers.
It could be argued the result was a culmination of various issues ranging from the flirting with bans to having a coach on the touchline who is still negotiating a contract.
But the only reason that is certain for the defeat is, they didn't come to play. Congo did and got the job done.
2. Black Stars sins have not been forgiven
The Black Stars have a long way to go if earning forgiveness from their fans is anything to go by.
From the unusual dispiriting turn out they got at home, the backlash of the famous appearance fees and the latest drama that surround an assault on a journalist by a former International, it's turning out to be a series of events we all can't keep up with.
By cheering Uganda's opener and booing Andre Ayew's equalizer, it is clear how the relationship has plunged into a deep freeze.
3.Bafana Bafana is a decent team
For a long time now, South Africa's potential has been out their for the jury to rule out on.
However, on Friday in Khartoum, Shakes Mashaba and his troops silenced Sudan 3-0 in what is considered their fortress.
With one match played, they are on top of group A and the revamped outfit will be looking to disappoint Nigeria in Cape Town on Wednesday.
All I can say is, winning in Sudan is hard work and if you do, you deserve the credit for the efforts.
4. Egypt's 3-5-2 is working against them
The pharaohs won three consecutive African Cup of Nations with this formation.
They even went on to dominate the whole continent for slightly over a decade, however, in Dakar, they got a signal that maybe it's time they should try another formation.
Captain Hossam Ghaly, defensive midfield role was in shambles and one of the major factors of their crumbling despite looking like a proper line up.
The formation seems to be missing a link or better yet outdated for the new crop of players and you would be unfair to blame their alienated forwards who have suffered the injustice.
5. Forget about the word 'minnows'
The power shift is hitting its full gear.
There are no longer 'small' teams anymore in Africa.
Uganda settling for a one - all draw against Ghana in Kumasi and Congo silencing reigning African champions is just another example of the many testimonies that vindicate that fact over and over again.
Nowadays, in Africa, the easiest way to lose a match is by winning it before kick off.
Ivory Coast in the 2012 Afcon final is a living proof that every team have equal chances, it's all a matter of taking a mile out of an inch given.