How the countries stand in Africa ahead of another round of World Cup qualifiers

Published on: 01 October 2017
How the countries stand in Africa ahead of another round of World Cup qualifiers
Black Stars

The final two rounds of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup take place first between Oct. 6 and 8, and then the week of Nov. 6. None of the five available places have been confirmed as yet, but some should be settled in the next set of matches.

Here, we take a look at which nations can still make it to Russia, and how they can get there.

The five winners of the four-nation groups qualify automatically for the finals. There is no other route for African nations to reach the World Cup.

GROUP A

Guinea and Libya have already been eliminated, with Tunisia holding a three-point advantage over DR Congo.

Oct. 7: Guinea vs. Tunisia, Libya vs. DR Congo November: Tunisia vs. Libya, DR Congo vs. Guinea

Tunisia need four points to guarantee their place at the finals, while DR Congo will likely have to win both games and hope Tunisia slip up in one of the matches. That the top two do not play each other makes it extremely difficult for DR Congo, as they need Tunisia to drop points against one of the eliminated nations.

GROUP B

Cameroon and Algeria are already out in this group of Africa's heavyweight nations, with Nigeria holding a three-point lead over Zambia .

Oct. 7: Nigeria vs. Zambia, Cameroon vs. Algeria November: Zambia vs. Cameroon, Algeria vs. Nigeria

The key to this group is going to come on Oct. 7 when the top two teams meet in Uyo. Nigeria can confirm their place in the finals with a victory, but also know that two points from their final two matches will guarantee a place in Russia. Zambia will need to win in Nigeria to realistically keep their hopes alive, but will still be second on goal difference unless they win by three goals -- so will probably need to better Nigeria's result on the final day too.

GROUP C

All four nations are still in with a chance of qualifying, with Ivory Coast top on seven points, Morocco on six, Gabon five and Mali two.

Oct. 6: Mali vs. Ivory Coast Oct. 7: Morocco vs. Gabon November: Ivory Coast vs. Morocco, Gabon vs. Mali

Ivory Coast: A very close group but Ivory Coast know they will go to the World Cup with two victories, and four points will likely be enough too due to their superior goal difference over Gabon. But if they fail to beat Mali in the first match they could go into the final match against Morocco in second place.

Morocco: Like Ivory Coast, Morocco know that two victories will guarantee their place at the finals, and four points will probably do the job too if they draw against Gabon and beat Ivory Coast. The game between the top two next month will surely be the decider.

Gabon: It's going to be tough for Gabon to make the finals, as they will know that due to their inferior goal difference they have to get a minimum of four points to stand a chance. That still is unlikely to be enough, though two wins could possibly see them sneak in if Ivory Coast slip up in either of their games.

Mali: Mathematically still in the hunt but would need to win both games, and hope Morocco fail to beat Gabon and also draw with Ivory Coast. And then they would still need to overturn a 12-goal deficit on Ivory Coast, and possibly 10 on Morocco too if they draw both matches.

GROUP D

This group is difficult to predict as FIFA ordered the South Africa vs. Senegal qualifier to be replayed next month. Therefore, there is one extra game. Burkina Faso and Cape Verde are on six points, Senegal on five and South Africa on one.

Oct. 7: South Africa vs. Burkina Faso, Cape Verde vs. Senegal November: Burkina Faso vs. Cape Verde, Senegal vs. South Africa, South Africa vs. Senegal

Burkina Faso: Currently top on goal difference but two wins would not guarantee their place in the finals, as Senegal would overtake them if they win their final three.

Cape Verde: One of two nations to know that their fate is in their own hands. Win both games, one of which is against Senegal, and they will be on an unassailable 12 points.

Senegal: Though third in the group, the game in hand next month could prove crucial. That said, they must first go to Cape Verde in October and defeat there would leave qualification out of their own control going into the double header against South Africa. Win all three games, and they are at the World Cup.

South Africa: Mathematically still have hopes of making the finals, but they would be extinguished with defeat in Burkina Faso in October. Realistically they are going to have to win that first match, and then the two games in November could become important.

GROUP E

Congo are out of contention, which leaves a battle between Egypt on nine points, Uganda on seven and Ghana on five.

Oct. 7: Uganda vs. Ghana Oct. 8: Egypt vs. Congo November: Congo vs. Uganda, Ghana vs. Egypt

Egypt: Must win both games to guarantee their place in the finals. But if Uganda fail to beat Ghana in the first match in October, Egypt can qualify for the finals with a win over Congo the following day.

Uganda: With Egypt at home to Congo, Uganda know they will surely have to beat Ghana to keep the group alive. They are still going to need help from elsewhere, and probably win both their matches, to be in with a chance -- and it could yet come down to goal difference.

Ghana: Very much outsiders, as with Egypt having that home game against Congo two wins probably won't be enough. They have to win both remaining qualifiers and hope Egypt pick up no more than a point against Congo -- and that would send them to the finals.

 

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