10 African World Cup Qualifying Matches Coming This Weekend
The third round of African World Cup qualifying continues this coming weekend, as the second set of matches see 20 teams from the continent left with a chance of securing one of the five spots allocated to the African continent.
The 20 teams have been drawn into five groups of four teams each, with the winner of the group after a round-robin format qualifying for Russia 2018. This weekend 10 fixtures will be played around the continent in the group stages.
Here are 10 African World Cup qualifying matches to look out for this coming weekend.
Sources: FIFA.
Libya – Tunisia
Group A consists of DR Congo, Libya, Tunisia and Guinea, and after losing 4-0 to DR Congo in the first fixture, the Mediterranean Knights need to use home advantage to get three points against Tunisia, who also won their opening group stage match. It is unlikely, however, that the Libyans will be able to defeat a strong Carthage Eagles outfit.
Guinea – DR Congo
DR Congo travel to Guinea full of confidence after a 4-0 win over the Libyans in the opening match, while their opponents are yet to get off the mark in Group A. A loss for the home side would make their lives difficult, and it would seem that the ultimate battle for group supremacy will be between the Congolese and the Tunisians.
Cameroon – Zambia
The Chipolopolo travel to Cameroon this weekend in an important clash with the Indomitable Lions. Their group is incredibly tough, with the other two teams being Nigeria and Algeria, so a win in this encounter could go a long way in a tightly-balanced group.
Nigeria – Algeria
A contender for the biggest game of the round, Nigeria’s Super Eagles welcome a visit from North African powerhouse side, Algeria. The Fennec Foxes drew 1-1 with Cameroon at home in the first match, and will be desperate to get their campaign back on track against group leaders Nigeria in Uyo.
Mali – Gabon
Gabon travel to Mali in this World Cup qualifying encounter with current African Player of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in fantastic form, having scored four goals at the weekend for Borussia Dortmund against Hamburg. The Panthers will hope for more goalscoring prowess from the striker in Mali.
Morocco – Cote D’Ivoire
African champions Cote D’Ivoire make their way to Morocco this weekend in another high profile encounter that will see the North Africans with a chance at home to move past the goalless stalemate against Gabon in the first round, while The Elephants will aim to continue their winning start, after beating Mali 3-1 in the previous fixture.
South Africa – Senegal
In a must win for Bafana, the South Africans host the Teranga Lions of Senegal in Polokwane this Saturday. The West Africans are favourites to win the group, which means that home form will be crucial if South Africa are to pull off a surprise and emerge from this group.
Cape Verde – Burkina Faso
Group D is as open as they come, and with SA and Senegal battling it out in the other encounter in the group, Cape Verde’s home game against Burkina Faso will give them a chance to make their mark on the selection, following their loss to Senegal in the opening match.
Egypt – Ghana
Without doubt one of the biggest World Cup qualifying matches of the round, Group E giants Egypt and Ghana clash in Alexandria this weekend. The Black Stars drew 0-0 with Uganda in their opener while the Pharaohs triumphed 2-1 in Congo, so this matchup will go a long way to deciding the eventual group winner.
Uganda – Congo
The Cranes of Uganda welcome Congo in this Group E match, with both teams looking to get their first wins of the qualifying campaign. The East Africans will be favoured, thanks to home advantage, and will look to continue the form that saw them qualify for the AFCON for the first time in 38 years.