The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers return with match days three and four as several nations look to secure their places for the Morocco edition come next year.
The next few days starting Wednesday will see teams clash in back-to-back fixtures and 48 fixtures are scheduled over the current international break.
Below, Ismael Kiyonga takes a look at the forthcoming fixtures in each group:
Group A
Fixtures: Madagascar vs Gambia, Tunisia vs Comoros
Tunisia could secure qualification with back-to-back wins over lowly Comoros who have only managed a single point.
With six points in two fixtures, they lead the group by a gap of four points as second placed Madagascar has just two from as many matches played.
Madagascar and Gambia, both still without a win are under pressure to secure vital victories as they prepare to face each other. The two fixtures could end either’s dream of being in Morocco come next year.
Group B
Fixtures: Gabon vs Lesotho, Morocco vs Central Africa Republic
Morocco are assured of a place at the Afcon but have been in fine form in this group securing two victories so far. In CAR, they face a desperate side who seek to take the only other available spot.
Gabon, on three points need to secure six points off Lesotho, who are without a point at this stage to beat off competition from CAR who literally have a tougher task.
Group C
Fixtures: Cape Verde vs Botswana, Egypt vs Mauritania
The Pharaohs could seal their spot in Morocco with victories over Mauritania who are tied with Cape Verde on 3 points.
The Islanders have a relatively easier task against Botswana but the South African side is aware that nothing but maximum points at least from the home fixtures leaves them in contention.
Group D
Fixtures: Nigeria vs Libya, Benin vs Rwanda
One of the most competitive groups so far although Nigeria understand that victory over Libya gives them authority over the rest as they come into this with four points.
Benin in close second with 3 points face a desperate Rwanda side who want to secure first victory and will want to build on the draw with Super Eagles. The Amavubi are on 2 points.
Group E
Fixtures: Algeria vs Togo, Equatorial Guinea vs Liberia
Perfect Algeria take on second placed Togo who are unbeaten but winless so far. Maximum points for the Desert Foxes will secure their spot in Morocco.
The fixtures involving Eq. Guinea and Liberia will decide who remain in contention after match day four.
Group F
Fixtures: Ghana vs Sudan, Angola vs Niger
The Black Stars with only one point must beat second placed Sudan, four points to stay in contention while in the other fixture, Angola could consolidate top spot with victories over Niger who are on one point as well at the base.
Group G
Fixtures: Ivory Coast vs Siera Leone, Zambia vs Chad
Reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire seek to remain perfect from fixtures against Siera Leone while Zambia, on three points understand that securing two wins over Chad will all but seal their place in the top two.
Group H
Fixtures: DR Congo vs Tanzania, Guinea vs Ethiopia
DR Congo, on six points take Taifa Stars of Tanzania in top of the group clash that could shape the standings with the two remaining fixtures.
Elsewhere, Guinea and Ethiopia face off desperate to pick their first victories as they are on zero and one point respectively.
Group I
Fixtures: Mozambique vs Eswatini, Mali vs Guinea Bissau
With a relatively easy fixture against point less Eswatini, Mozambique have an opportunity to pull away from Mali who are on four points as well and face Guinea Bissau who are closely in third with 3 points.
Group J
Fixtures: Cameroon vs Kenya, Namibia vs Zimbabwe
Another tightly contested group with Kenya and Cameroon who are tied on four points facing off while Zimbabwe, with a chance to leapfrog the two if they draw taking on desperate Zimbabwe who know that failure to pick points will end their dream.
Group K
Fixtures: Uganda vs South Sudan, South Africa vs Congo Brazzaville
Uganda could secure a return to the finals with back-to-back wins over minnows South Sudan who remain without a point at this stage while South Africa, on four points as the Cranes take on Congo in a relatively tougher fixture.
Group L
Fixtures: Burkina Faso vs Burundi, Senegal vs Malawi
Burkina Faso and Burundi promises to be a cracker as both sides are separated by a single point with the Stallions above on four points while Senegal could have it a little easy against Malawi who are without a point but also aware that failure to win in these two games will end their chance of contesting in Morocco.
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