The international break is back and today we take a look at some of the things to look out for during the AFCON Qualifying fixtures. Bet on the matches here.
Nigeria out to seal top spot
Nigeria will be hoping to seal top spot with their fourth victory in Group E when they host Seychelles on Friday. They have already secured their place in the tournament but they are followed very closely by South Africa who will want to outdo them for the top spot in the group. The experience in the Nigerian side is more than a handful for their visitors and when you consider the home support, then you will come to the conclusion that it is hard to look away from a convincing home win here.
Kenya and Ghana to give fringe players a chance
Kenya will travel to Accra for their formality fixture with the Black Stars following the disqualification of Sierra Leone from the qualification. The two teams were confirmed to take part in the continental tournament but they will have to play the remaining fixture in their qualifying calendar. Kenya currently top the group on seven points and they will want to give an opportunity to the fringe players in the squad to acclimatize themselves with playing in the big stage. The same goes for Ghana who will out to claim the bragging rights in this contest after losing the reverse fixture in Nairobi.
Tough test for DR Congo in Group G
DR Congo finds themselves in a precarious position as they are in one of the most open groups in the AFCON qualification. They will be meeting with Liberia who are second in the group behind Zimbabwe on eight points. This will be a must-win fixture for the Congolese who are sitting in third just one point behind second place. A win for the host and a loss for Zimbabwe will see them top the group and they will want to bank on the home support to get a result.
East African affair as Uganda takes on Tanzania
Uganda will want to confirm their superiority as East Africa’s rising footballing nation with a win against neighbours Tanzania. As it were, the Ugandan Cranes have already qualified top of their group following four wins from five qualifying fixtures. Tanzania are third after accumulating five points and a win could see them qualify if results elsewhere go their way. The last meeting between the two sides ended in a goalless draw and this very likely to happen again. Tanzania will look to the home support for inspiration whilst Uganda will rely on their defensive astuteness to block the Taifa Stars.
Senegal to extend unbeaten run
Senegal will be hoping to end their qualifying campaign on a high when they host Madagascar this coming weekend. The Lions of Teranga have had a brilliant campaign after dropping points in only one of their qualifying fixtures in their draw away to Madagascar. This will be a perfect opportunity for them to exert revenge and they have what it takes to do just that on top of the support they will get from the home crowd.