Numerous African countries will be looking forward to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2017 in Gabon next year, which will see the winner participate in FIFA Confederation Cup in Russia in the same year.
There are five major highlights that will make the qualifying round a very fascinating one. Below are some interesting highlights.
Can the Mambas pull a surprise against the Black Stars?
The Ghana Black Stars lie on top of Group H with a maximum six points after winning their two matches. The Mozambicans will be looking to cause the biggest upset in African Football history on Thursday at the Accra sports Stadium.
The last time Ghana lost in competitive fixture in Ghana was in AFCON 2008 when there where beaten by the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in semi final clash. Abel Xavier and his men would have to pull of the greatest miracle on planet earth to be able to withstand the wrath of a relentless Black Stars, who cant stop winning especially when it comes to qualifies.
Can Siasia Make a great comeback?
In Group G, Nigeria host Egypt on Friday, before traveling to Cairo for the return leg four days later. The Super Eagles are trailing their rivals by two points and need to win at least one of the matches to stay in contention to top their group. As only 13 group winners are guaranteed automatic qualification – the two best-placed runners’ up also qualify – there is a lot of pressure on the Super Eagles to get a result. Interim coach Samson Siasia will be without defender Kenneth Omeruo and might also miss German-based defender Leon Balogun, whose club has said he has been kept behind in Germany as he is nursing an injury.
However, the coach has plenty of international experience to call on, with on-fire English Premier League stars Odeon Ighalo and Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi joining the likes of Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel and West Ham United striker Victor Moses.
Can South Africa redeemed their qualification dream?
Bafana Bafana’s situation ahead of their double-feature against Cameroon is considerably worse than that of Nigeria. The 1996 champions are bottom of Group M with just one point, five off the pace and away to the table-topping Lions on Saturday. New Indomitable Lions coach Hugo Broos, who was not in charge of the side when they picked up their six points, has re-called Alexandre Song, who has not been involved in the national side since the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. Broos has controversially dropped Schalke midfielder Joel Matip, but included his brother Marvin, who captains fellow German Bundesliga side Ingolstadt.
The Belgian coach will definitely be without Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar for the first game as the striker has to sit out after picking up a suspension. Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has picked a mainly inexperienced side, with some players earning a first call-up. Nevertheless, he realises they could be knocked out this week. “This is a must win. If you look at the log, it tells us that we need to win home and away.”
Can the Big boys keep pace ?
Morocco, with new coach Herve Renard, and Cape Verde Islands head Group F with six points and face each other, with the Blue Sharks slightly better placed having a better goal difference. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire surprisingly find themselves playing second fiddle in Group I behind Sudan. However, as they are involved in a three-team group, they have only played one game – a draw away to Sierra Leone. The Elephants face Sudan in a double-header over the next week and will be well positioned to take first place in the group should they avoid defeat.
Coach Michel Dussuyer has left nothing to chance and convinced star player Yaya Toure to return to the team. The former African Footballer of the Year heads a star-studded line-up that includes experienced players like Solomon Kalou, Serey Die, Wilfred Bony and Max Gradel. Congo and Zambia also meet twice with control of Group E on the line, while Algeria are favoured to add more space at the top of Group J against Ethiopia.
Outsiders look for openings
In Group A, Liberia could take control of proceedings with two wins this week against Djibouti. Having defeated favourites Tunisia in September of last year, the Lone Stars are trying to catch Togo to reach their third AFCON. South Sudan, who achieved their first-ever AFCON victory when they stunned Equatorial Guinea, are hoping to continue their journey towards an unexpected place at the finals with good results against Benin in Group C.
The Match of underdogs
An interesting match-up in Group L, sees Zimbabwe and Swaziland go head-to-head twice this week with the top of the table at stake. Zimbabwe have only twice appeared at the finals, while Swaziland have yet to make the showpiece event of African football. A draw and a win would see either side well-placed for an unexpected appearance at the finals. Both teams have four points and lead Malawi and Guinea by three.
Six Major Highlights Ahead of AFCON Qualifying Round
