AFCON 2015 Qualifiers: High-Stakes Showdowns as Key Nations Eye Early Qualification
The race to Morocco intensifies on Wednesday as the fourth round of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers unfolds with 14 matches across the continent. For several teams — including Algeria, Cameroon, and South Africa — qualification for the final tournament could be secured by the end of the day.
Group A: Nigeria in Do-or-Die, South Africa on the Brink
Defending champions Nigeria are in crisis mode. With just one point from three matches, Stephen Keshi’s Super Eagles face Sudan in Abuja knowing that anything short of a win could spell the end of their qualification hopes. The pressure is immense following a shock 1-0 loss in Omdurman on Saturday.
Meanwhile, South Africa need just a draw against Congo in Polokwane to secure their spot, especially if Nigeria holds Sudan. Bafana Bafana, currently on 7 points, are unbeaten under new coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba.
Nigeria vs. Sudan (3:00 p.m. GMT)
South Africa vs. Congo (6:05 p.m. GMT)
Group B: Algeria Chasing Perfection
Algeria, the only side with a perfect record so far, host Malawi in Blida and need just a draw to book their ticket. Christian Gourcuff’s men were clinical in a 2-0 away win last weekend and are favourites to seal qualification on home soil.
Elsewhere, Mali face Ethiopia in Bamako with a chance to strengthen their position in the group.
Mali vs. Ethiopia (4:00 p.m. GMT)
Algeria vs. Malawi (6:30 p.m. GMT)
Group C: Gabon Close In, Pressure on Burkina Faso
Gabon are eyeing early qualification but must overcome a tricky away tie against Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang led the Panthers to a 2-0 win on Saturday, but the return leg will be far more demanding.
Lesotho host Angola in a clash of struggling sides who desperately need a win to stay alive in the group.
Angola vs. Lesotho (3:00 p.m. GMT)
Burkina Faso vs. Gabon (6:00 p.m. GMT)
Group D: Cameroon Can Seal It, Côte d’Ivoire Seek Redemption
Cameroon, top of Group D, will qualify with a win over Sierra Leone, provided Ivory Coast defeat DR Congo in Abidjan. The Indomitable Lions were held to a draw at the weekend and are looking to bounce back.
All eyes will also be on Herve Renard’s Ivory Coast, who need a convincing result after a mixed campaign so far.
Cameroon vs. Sierra Leone (2:00 p.m. GMT)
Ivory Coast vs. DR Congo (5:00 p.m. GMT)
Group E: Neck-and-Neck as Ghana Look to Break Free
The most unpredictable group sees all four teams within a point of each other. Ghana can take control with a win over Guinea in Tamale, while Togo, buoyed by a vital win in Uganda, will aim to continue their momentum at home.
Togo vs. Uganda (3:00 p.m. GMT)
Ghana vs. Guinea (4:00 p.m. GMT)
Group F: Cape Verde and Mozambique in Key Duel
Group leaders Mozambique face Cape Verde again just days after their 2-0 victory. A win for either side would place them in pole position for qualification.
Further down, Zambia and Niger, both on two points, are in must-win territory to keep their hopes alive.
Zambia vs. Niger (4:00 p.m. GMT)
Cape Verde vs. Mozambique (4:30 p.m. GMT)
Group G: Tunisia vs. Senegal – Winner Takes All
In one of the day’s most anticipated fixtures, Tunisia host Senegal in a battle for top spot. Both teams have shown dominance so far, and a win for either side would confirm qualification.
Meanwhile, Egypt, still chasing the pack, must beat Botswana to keep their slender hopes alive.
Egypt vs. Botswana (5:00 p.m. GMT)
Tunisia vs. Senegal (6:15 p.m. GMT)
With tickets to Morocco 2015 within touching distance, this matchday promises drama, tension, and defining moments across Africa.
