2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Zambia out, Mauritania in, Ghana revived & complete round-up
Perhaps the biggest piece of news coming out from the 2019 AFCON qualifiers matchday 5 is that the 2012 champions, Zambia, are out of contention. But there is more, a whole lot more.
Algeria's forward Riyad Mahrez (C) celebrates with Algeria's midfielder Yacine Brahimi (R) and Algeria's forward Islam Slimani after scoring a second goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group B football match between Algeria and Zimbabwe in Franceville on January 15, 2017. / AFP / KHALED DESOUKI
(Jan. 14, 2017 - Source: AFP)
Morocco 2 - 0 Cameroon
The Lions of the Atlas tamed the Indomitable Lions in Casablanca courtesy of two super goals by the inform, Hakim Ziyech. Firstly from the penalty spot and then a super sweeper shot from outside the box to once again beat his Ajax Amsterdam teammate, Andre Onana. Even before the victory, Morocco had joined Cameroon among the list of the qualified teams after Comoros beat Malawi 2-1.
Mauritania 2 - 1 Botswana
Madagascar will not be the only debutants at the June 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled to take place in Cameroon. The high flying Al-Murabitun secured their first ever qualification in AFCON history after dismissing the Zebras of Botswana. The 2013 finalists, Burkina Faso and Angola will have to battle it out for the next qualification place in the group, counting on favors from others.
Mozambique 1 - 0 Zambia
Chipolopolo’s worst nightmare invited itself into their home as the 2012 Champions bowed out of the tournament at the hands of Mozambique, who narrowly edged them 1-0 in Maputo. Namibia is powering up a rare AFCON appearance but will have to go past the dejected Copper Bullets to realise their dream.
Seychelles 1 - 8 Libya
The Mediterranean Knights made lightwork of the Islanders away from home to send a message to Bafana Bafana. Libya will have to beat South Africa in the final group game at home to qualify for the finals. It’s obviously easier said than done.
Liberia 1 - 0 Zimbabwe
Uganda supporters cheer ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Egypt and Uganda in Port-Gentil on January 21, 2017. / AFP / Justin TALLIS
(Jan. 20, 2017 - Source: AFP)
The Warriors of Zimbabwe gave President Weah’s nation a lifeline after conceding a late goal that suspended their qualification to matchday 6. The group is as close as they can be with all the four teams on 5, 6, 7 and 8 points. Only two of DR Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Liberia and Zimbabwe will qualify for the 24-team tournament.
Ethiopia 0 - 2 Ghana
Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew grabbed a brace as the Black Stars of Ghana returned to continental football as well as to winning ways. With Sierra Leone still suspended, its almost impossible for Ghana not to qualify right now. They will play first placed Kenya in March 2019.
Gabon 0 - 1 Mali
The Eagles of Mali left Gabon in a precarious position after the narrow defeat as they booked their spot at the finals. Burundi’s 5-2 win over South Sudan mean that they need only a point to qualify when they meet Gabon on matchday 6. Gabon were without Arsenal starman, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Togo 1 - 4 Algeria
Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez bagged a brace as the Desert Foxes booked their own spot after bullying Togo away from home.
Guinea 1 - 1 Ivory Coast
The battle of the West African heavy weights ended in a stalemate, with a point apiece enough to send both through to the finals.
Uganda 1 - 0 Cape Verde
Jordan Ayew of Ghana controls the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Ghana and the United States at Estadio das Dunas on June 16, 2014 in Natal, Brazil.
(June 15, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images South America)
The Cranes of Uganda sealed qualification in the easiest of fashion after beating the Islanders 1-0 at home. The Cranes are still unbeaten and the only team yet to concede a goal so far in this tournament.
Egypt 3 - 2 Tunisia
In a “dead rubber” North African contest were both nations had already sealed qualification from matchday 4, the Pharaohs got their revenge. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scored the winner in the dying minutes of the match.
Here is a complete list of all the qualified teams
Cameroon
Mali
Guinea
Ivory Coast
Algeria
Uganda
Mauritania
Senegal
Madagascar
Nigeria
Egypt
Tunisia
Ivory Coast
How are your heroes faring?