The 33rd edition of the most prestigious Sports tournament in Africa, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of the most highly anticipated in recent times. African stars are high-flying all over Europe and we can’t wait to see them shine for their Countries.
A total of 54 countries have been competing for the 24 slots in the tournament proper and there are just 2 rounds of matches left to play. The 2021 AFCON qualifiers have been full of surprises, such that only 5 Countries have qualified with only 2 matches left. Hosts Cameroon qualify automatically but still put up a strong showing topping their group. They are joined by defending champions Algeria, Senegal, Tunisia and Mali.
There are still 19 tickets for the AFCON 2021 up for grabs in the qualifiers.
What’s even more surprising about this edition of qualifiers is that many powerhouses that pundits and fans expected to qualify with ease are not finding it easy at all. Powerhouses including 7-time Champions Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Ivory Coast and the Super Eagles of Nigeria still find themselves not guaranteed a place in the finals yet although most do not need up to 2 matches to cement their places.
Nigeria will be looking to wrap things up and book their place in next year’s tournament after some questionable displays in qualification. The Super Eagles should have qualified but somehow managed to draw 4-4 against Sierra Leone after going 4-0 up at half-time and were then held to a 0-0 draw in the return leg.
Ghana, South Africa, Morocco and Egypt only need to avoid defeats to qualify while Ivory Coast face a tricky situation in their group as only 1 point separates them from 3rd. The exact same situation is in Group D with Gambia, Gabon and DR Congo still in the running to qualify.
More than 20 AFCON qualifiers to bet on this week.
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