The opening rounds of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers have already offered plenty of excitement across the continent. Powerhouses such as Algeria, Senegal, Nigeria, and Tunisia have all secured maximum points, while emerging sides like Madagascar are quickly making their presence felt among Africa’s elite.
Senegal have started their campaign impressively, winning both matches with six goals scored and only two conceded. Similarly, Nigeria, spearheaded by striker Victor Osimhen, has demonstrated strong form from the outset. Tunisia, despite a challenging away win in Equatorial Guinea, has also established itself as a dominant force in Group J.
Madagascar, building on its remarkable run in the 2019 AFCON, continues to impress with two victories, including a stunning 6-2 triumph over Niger in Niamey. The reigning African champions Algeria remain unbeaten with 17 matches to their name under Djamel Belmadi, asserting their continental dominance.
Meanwhile, traditional powers like Egypt and Ivory Coast are still finding their footing. Egypt, without the services of Mohamed Salah, has struggled, managing just two points from two matches. Ivory Coast faces similar challenges and will need to recover in the coming months. Ghana, eager to reclaim its status, has made a strong start with two wins, signaling a resurgence of the Black Stars.
Comoros, despite not winning both opening matches, has proven to be a serious opponent, taking four points from two games, including a goalless draw against Egypt. The results show that the qualifiers are highly competitive and unpredictable, with emerging nations ready to challenge the traditional powers.
The top two teams from each group will qualify for the 2021 AFCON, except for Cameroon, which automatically qualifies as hosts. The next round of matches is scheduled for August-September 2020, while the 2022 World Cup qualifiers will resume in March 2020, giving fans plenty to look forward to.
Group standings after two matchdays highlight the competitive balance across Africa:
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Group A: Guinea 4 pts, Mali 4 pts, Namibia 3 pts
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Group B: Uganda 4 pts, Burkina Faso 4 pts, Malawi 3 pts
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Group C: Ghana 6 pts, Sudan 3 pts, South Africa 3 pts
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Group D: Gambia 4 pts, Gabon 4 pts, DR Congo 2 pts
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Group E: Morocco 4 pts, Mauritania 4 pts, Central African Republic 3 pts
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Group F: Mozambique 4 pts, Cameroon 4 pts, Cape Verde 2 pts
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Group G: Comoros 4 pts, Kenya 2 pts, Egypt 2 pts
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Group H: Algeria 6 pts, Zimbabwe 4 pts, Botswana 1 pt
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Group I: Senegal 6 pts, Guinea-Bissau 3 pts, Congo 3 pts
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Group J: Tunisia 6 pts, Tanzania 3 pts, Libya 3 pts
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Group K: Madagascar 6 pts, Ethiopia 3 pts, Ivory Coast 3 pts
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Group L: Nigeria 6 pts, Benin 3 pts, Sierra Leone 1 pt
From commanding victories to surprise draws, the qualifiers have already provided a thrilling start to the AFCON campaign. Africa’s best are asserting themselves, but the emerging nations are proving they are ready to compete, setting the stage for an electrifying journey to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
