The fourth day of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers continues on Monday, March 28, with five exciting matches. There was supposed to be a sixth match, but Chad’s withdrawal from the competition has caused a significant change. Here’s a preview of what’s to come:
Monday, March 28 – Matchday Highlights:
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Zimbabwe vs. Swaziland (Group L):
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Zimbabwe will host Swaziland in a crucial match for both teams. Zimbabwe needs the points to keep up with the top two teams in the group, while Swaziland, with 5 points, will be looking to maintain their momentum and stay in contention for qualification.
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Group L Standings: Zimbabwe 5 points, Swaziland 5 points, Malawi 2 points, Guinea 2 points.
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Tanzania vs. Chad (Group G) – Cancelled:
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Tanzania was supposed to play Chad, but due to Chad’s withdrawal from the competition, this match is officially cancelled. Chad will be fined $20,000 for the forfeiture, and they have been excluded from the 2019 AFCON qualifiers.
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Group G Standings: Egypt 4 points, Nigeria 2 points, Tanzania 1 point.
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Equatorial Guinea vs. Mali (Group C):
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This match is vital for both teams. Mali is currently leading Group C and will look to extend their lead. However, Equatorial Guinea will have the home advantage and will be aiming to bounce back after their loss in Bamako in the first leg.
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Mali edged out Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in Bamako, but the return leg will be an entirely different challenge in Malabo.
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Group C Standings: Mali 7 points, Benin 5 points, Equatorial Guinea 1 point.
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Sierra Leone vs. Gabon (Group I) – No points counted:
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This match is not significant for the qualification standings, as Gabon is the host nation for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, and their points won’t count for the qualifiers. The first leg ended 2-1 in favor of Gabon in Franceville.
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Group I Standings: Ivory Coast 4 points, Sudan 3 points, Sierra Leone 1 point.
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Central African Republic vs. Madagascar (Group B):
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Central African Republic and Madagascar will face off in a must-win game for both teams, as they are both on the edge of qualification. The match is crucial for both teams to stay in the race for Group B‘s top spots.
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Group B Standings: DR Congo 6 points, Angola 4 points, Central African Republic 4 points, Madagascar 2 points.
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Libya vs. Sao Tome and Principe (Group F):
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Libya has been surprised in the first leg, and they now face a critical game against Sao Tome and Principe. With Morocco and Cape Verde ahead in the group, Libya needs a victory to stay in the race for qualification.
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Group F Standings: Morocco 9 points, Cape Verde 6 points, Libya 3 points, Sao Tome and Principe 0 points.
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Summary of Key Matches:
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Zimbabwe vs. Swaziland: Both teams are tied in Group L and need a win.
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Equatorial Guinea vs. Mali: Mali leads Group C and aims to extend their advantage.
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Sierra Leone vs. Gabon: This match will have no impact on standings due to Gabon’s status as host.
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Libya vs. Sao Tome: Libya needs a win to stay competitive in Group F.
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Central African Republic vs. Madagascar: Both teams are fighting for vital points in Group B.
With Chad’s withdrawal shaking things up, the matchups today are critical for the teams involved to keep their hopes alive for Gabon 2017.
