AFCON 2023 (Q): Algeria perfect, DR Congo still alive, four more teams qualify
AFCON 2023: four more teams qualified on Sunday 18 June. They are Nigeria, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and Mali
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20th appearance for Nigeria
Nigeria have booked their ticket to AFCON 2023. The Super Eagles edged past Sierra Leone in Group A. Nigeria took the lead very early on, thanks in particular to Victor Osimhen (19th minute). The Napoli striker made it two 11 minutes later (32nd).
Despite that scoreline (2-0), the Leone Stars did not give up. They even drew level with the Nigerians. Bundu pulled one back (41st) before Kargbo equalised in the 84th minute. With Sierra Leone holding on for a draw, Iheanacho crushed the hosts' hopes. He scored the winner in added time (90+5) and sent his country to its 20th AFCON.
The Super Eagles top Group A with 12 points, ahead of Guinea-Bissau (10 pts). The Djurtus have also qualified for AFCON 2023.
Cape Verde in command against Burkina Faso
Cape Verde are another team through to AFCON 2023. Impressive throughout, the Blue Sharks made light work of Burkina Faso in Group B. Bebé put them ahead as early as the 7th minute. The Stallions levelled late in the first half through Dayo (45+3). The two sides went into the dressing rooms all square.
After the break, the Cape Verdeans, determined to win the game, piled on the pressure. They soon added to their tally. Joao Paulo scored their second in the 67th minute. Tavares Andrade made it three late on (90+5). Despite this big win, Cape Verde (10 pts) are second in Group B, behind Burkina Faso (10 pts). Both teams will play at AFCON 2023. Togo beat Eswatini (2-0) but will not be going to Côte d'Ivoire. The same goes for their opponents on the day.
Congo collapse at home
Congo no longer control their own destiny. The Red Devils will have to decide their AFCON 2023 qualification on the final matchday. At home, they lost to Mali (2-0). Ibrahima Koné and Dorgeles scored for the Eagles. Mali top Group G with 12 points and are guaranteed a place at AFCON 2023. On 9 points, Gambia are second, ahead of Congo (7 pts). The Congolese have their backs to the wall.
DR Congo stun Gabon
DR Congo are still in the hunt for qualification for AFCON 2023. The Leopards claimed a fine win on Sunday against Gabon (2-0). Tshibola and Fiston Mayele were the Congolese heroes. The former scored the opener, giving them hope, in the 34th minute, while Mayele made it two late in the game (83rd). The win on Gabonese soil lifts the Congolese to the top of Group I, level on points with the second-placed Panthers. Sudan (6 pts) and Mauritania (5 pts) meet on Tuesday 20 June. But everything remains open in this group. The qualifiers will be known after the final matchday.
Ghana not yet qualified
Ghana had the chance to seal their ticket to AFCON 2023 on Sunday. To do so, they needed to beat Madagascar in their 5th qualifying match. But the Ghanaians shared the points (0-0) with the Malagasy, who are already eliminated.
With 9 points on the board, Ghana are top of Group E but are not yet qualified. The Black Stars, who host Central African Republic (7 pts) on the final matchday in September, could be overtaken by the Wild Beasts, but also by Angola (8 pts), who face Madagascar (2 pts).
Algeria still unbeaten, Tanzania back in contention
Algeria have yet to suffer a single defeat in the AFCON 2023 qualifiers. On Sunday 18 June, against Uganda, the Greens picked up their 5th win. They beat the Cranes (2-1), thanks in particular to a brace from Mohamed Amoura (42, 66th). Fahad Bayo pulled one back late on (88th).
With 15 points, Algeria are comfortably top of Group F, ahead of Tanzania (7 pts). The Tanzanians claimed a crucial win over Niger (1-0). Msuva scored the only goal of the game. A draw on the final matchday would be enough to send the Tanzanians through. They could be back at the AFCON for only the third time in their history. Their last appearance was in 2019, in Egypt.