A late equaliser from Victor Osimhen stamped Nigeria’s ticket for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday whereas Tunisia additionally booked their place with a 3-2 win over Madagascar. In spite of not enjoying on Thursday, different outcomes additionally noticed South Africa, Gabon and Uganda safe locations on the 24-nation showcase of African soccer, which kicks off in Morocco on December 21 subsequent 12 months. Sudan missed an opportunity to qualify after a shock 4-0 loss to Niger — a outcome which provided a glimmer of hope to Ghana forward of a must-win match in Angola on Friday.
Nigeria have been trailing towards Benin in Group D earlier than reigning African Footballer of the Year Osimhen equalised 9 minutes from time to safe a 1-1 attract Abidjan.
Mohamed Tijani had put Benin forward after 16 minutes as they sought to repeat a shock conquer Nigeria in a 2026 World Cup qualifier on the identical stadium final 12 months.
Nigeria high the desk with 11 factors after 5 rounds, leaving Benin (seven), Rwanda (5) and Libya (4) to battle for the second qualification place.
Nigeria host Rwanda on Monday similtaneously Libya can have house benefit over Benin. Libya obtained again into rivalry by beating Rwanda 1-0 by way of a late Fahd Mohamed purpose in Kigali.
An exhilarating 3-2 victory for South Sudan over Congo Brazzaville in Juba ensured Uganda and South Africa would qualify from Group Okay earlier than they meet on Friday in Kampala.
Congo, needing most factors to maintain their slim hopes alive, twice surrendered the lead earlier than being decreased to 10 males on 78 minutes when Bryan Passi was despatched off.
South Sudan took full benefit of getting an additional man to grab victory quickly after by way of substitute Data Elly.
Seesaw wrestle
Ali al Abdi scored within the third minute of added time to present 10-man Tunisia a 3-2 victory over Madagascar in Pretoria and qualification from Group A.
In a seesaw wrestle, Madagascar twice equalised earlier than gaining a late second-half benefit when Wajdi Kechrida was red-carded.
But the Indian Ocean islanders fell behind once more 4 minutes later and defeat stretched a winless run in AFCON qualifiers to fifteen matches.
Comoros, shock winners over Tunisia final month, will fill the opposite qualifying place from the part in the event that they beat the Gambia on Friday.
Sudan wanted one level from a conflict with Niger in Lome to clinch qualification from Group F, and eradicate four-time champions Ghana.
But the east Africans fell behind after solely six minutes when Daniel Sosah scored, and he transformed a penalty in first-half added time to widen the result in three objectives.
There was no means again for the rattled Sudanese within the second half with Ousseini Badamassi finishing the rout by scoring on 51 minutes.
Ghana should defeat leaders Angola in Luanda, and Niger in Accra on Monday, and hope Angola beat Sudan if they’re to keep away from the humiliation of failing to qualify.
An unbeaten run by Burkina Faso in Group L ended once they fell 1-0 to 2022 AFCON champions Senegal in Bamako. Habib Diarra scored the lone purpose seven minutes from time.
There are 10 qualifiers scheduled for Friday when Botswana, Comoros, Mali, Mozambique, Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe may qualify.
Should all seven safe berths, it could depart simply two qualifying locations up for grabs.
Guinea may fill one on Saturday in the event that they beat the Democratic Republic of Congo in Group H and Tanzania fail to take most factors towards Ethiopia.
Benin, Rwanda or Libya would full the line-up.
Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast and Senegal had secured locations earlier than Thursday.
Morocco are computerized members as hosts, however are participating in qualifying to realize aggressive match follow.
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