Thanks to Baghdad Bounedjah who finally found the way to the net, Algeria dominated Niger in Tunis (1-0) and won its qualification to the AFCON 2023. Nigeria and Ghana are almost there.
Algeria suffered in 2022. Baghdad Bounedjah even more. Great architect of the 2019 AFCON title with his mysterious goal in the final against Senegal (1-0), the Al Saad striker had not found the net with the Fennecs A since November 2021. It was already during a success against Niger (4-0) in the World Cup 2022 qualifiers. Against the same opponent, he put an end to his very long drought. It took him only six minutes to score the only goal of the game that took place in Tunis (1-0). An important achievement because it allows Algeria to make the full after four days and qualify for the next CAN to be held in Côte d'Ivoire.
Mafouta makes the Fauves dream
The Central African Republic can also dream of obtaining its invitation to the great mass of continental soccer scheduled for next January. This would be a first for the Fauves who have just dominated Madagascar twice in one week. These two successes bear the imprint of Louis Mafouta. Author of a double in the first leg (3-0), the striker of Quevilly (L2 France) scored, this Monday, March 27, the two goals of victory (2-0). He is only one point behind the best scorers of these CAN 2023 qualifications: Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) and Sadio Mané (Senegal). The CAR (7 pts), now second in Group E behind Ghana (8 pts), only needs a win against Angola in June during the 5th day to validate its ticket.
Nigeria takes revenge on Guinea-Bissau
If the qualification to the CAN 2023 is not yet assured for Nigeria, the Super Eagles have nevertheless made a big step towards their goal by winning (1-0). The men of José Peseiro have especially rectified the situation after their defeat against the same Guinea-Bissau, three days earlier. They had to rely on a penalty from Moses Simon to find the goal (30th). With this result, they regain the first place in Group A with 9 points, ahead of Guinea-Bissau who has 7. With Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe as their next opponents in the last two days, the qualification starts to get closer for the Nigerians and Bissau-Guineans.
A great day for travelers
Like Nigeria, Guinea won on the road. The Syli went to take the three points away in Ethiopia (3-2). Naby Keita put his selection on the right track by opening the score in the 4th minute. And when Markineh equalized for Ethiopia (1-1, 34th), the Liverpool midfielder offered the 2-1 goal to Ilaix Moriba (42nd). It is the first counter of the midfielder of Valencia in selection. He will also put himself in the shoes of the passer for Morgan Guilavogui (3-1, 70th). Kitika Jemma will reduce the score in the additional time (3-2). In this group D, Guinea (9 pts) is provisionally ahead of Egypt (6 pts) which will travel to Malawi (3 pts) on Tuesday. Ethiopia (3 pts) is the red lantern.
Sudan revives group I
In the end, of the six games played on Monday, only CAR and Sudan won at home. The Sudanese dominated 1-0 Gabon after their defeat in Franceville with the same score. And this revives this group where each of the four nations can still hope to be in Côte d'Ivoire early next year. Gabon, leader has 7 points ahead of his tormentor of the day Sudan (6 pts). Mauritania (4 pts) and DR Congo (3 pts) face each other this Tuesday in Noua.
Tight angle, no problem 😉
🇨🇬 A last-minute winner for Congo against South Sudan 🙌#TotalEnergiesAFCONQ2023 pic.twitter.com/N9fc1blorw
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 27, 2023
