Without playing, Morocco has validated its ticket for Côte d'Ivoire 2023. At the end of the 4th day of the qualifications which started this Sunday, March 26, at least four nations can also book for the 34th edition of the CAN scheduled for January 2024.
Since former CAF president Ahmad Ahmad and his team expanded the AFCON to 24 teams in 2019, Africa's top nations are almost always in the mix for the continental competition. Côte d'Ivoire 2023 should be no exception. Morocco, the best nation on the continent at the moment, has for example already its ticket in pocket. Several other big names of Africa are also about to join the Atlas Lions.
Senegal, Burkina Faso and Mali are in the same situation. These three nations could even secure their first place during this 4th day, after having made a full card during the first phase of these qualifications for the AFCON 2023.
Togo, South Africa, Madagascar and Uganda in danger
Even Nigeria, surprised at home by Guinea Bissau (1-0), is not in danger. In case of victory in Bissau, the Super Eagles would take the lead of group A and would practically validate the qualification.
On the other hand, Togo is back to the wall. Absent from the last two editions of the AFCON, the Sparrowhawks are also close to not being invited to Côte d'Ivoire 2023. Last of the group B with 1 point, they have no more right to make a mistake. They must dominate the Stallions at home to avoid jeopardizing all their chances of qualification. Because a defeat combined with a victory of Cape Verde in Eswatini would be fatal. South Africa, Madagascar and Uganda are experiencing the same setbacks.
It is in pool I that the points will be worth more. The 3-1 victory of DR Congo (3 pts) over Mauritania (4 pts) has completely revived everything. No nation is currently clear. It will be even more deadly if Sudan (3 pts) manages to torpedo Gabon (7 pts), current leader of this group so undecided. Because in the other game, the Leopards do not want to live Côte d'Ivoire 2023 on TV as during the CAN 2021 in Cameroon. The Murabitounes, them, hope to remain in their dynamic of qualification.
ROUND 3: ✅
Here’s how the #TotalEnergiesAFCONQ2023 groups stand 🔢 pic.twitter.com/LWKUFC8DLv
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 25, 2023
