Africa Charts Course To Qatar 2022 World Cup
As we countdown to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, there are still five spots up for grabs for Africa that would be decided over two legs. Voice of Nigeria highlights nations that have qualified, and also some nations that could seal qualification.
Favourites Brazil, France, Germany, Argentina, Belgium, and England have already qualified for the World Cup, but some other significant nations are yet to stake their claim.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were paired with rivals, the Black Stars of Ghana, for a place in Qatar. It ensures to be another classic African encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana.
2️⃣ GIANTS. 1️⃣ TICKET
The black stars face the Super Eagles for a place in the 2022 #WorldCup
Who will represent Africa in the prestigious tournament? 🤔#WCQ | @GhanaFAOfficial | @NGSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/vyaD2f52Yt
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 21, 2022
In-form Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze should pose problems for the Black Stars.
Arsenal star Thomas Partey will be looking to demonstrate his importance for the four-time African champions against their arch rivals Nigeria.
Egypt Vs Senegal
🇪🇬 Egypt 🆚 Senegal 🇸🇳
🏟️ Cairo International Stadium
🏆 First leg, third round of the #WCQ
📅 March 25
🕓 19:30 GMTWho will reign in the end: the Pharoahs or the Lions of Teranga?🧐#WorldCup | @EFA | @Fsfofficielle pic.twitter.com/kuLr1w6Ymu
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 20, 2022
Liverpool teammates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane will face off in a repeat of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final when Egypt take on Senegal.
Senegal defeated Egypt to be crown champions of Africa in last month’s AFCON tournament in Cameroon. Mane would be desperate to add another chapter to his international football record by steering the Teranga lions to victory against Egypt.
Salah would be seeking to inspire his nation to a victory against the champions of Africa.
Cameroon Vs Algeria
🇨🇲 Cameroon 🆚 Algeria 🇩🇿
🏟 Japoma Stadium, Douala
🏆 #WCQ third leg encounter
📅 March 25
🕓 17:00 GMTWho will win the game? 👀#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/yX38C7fWTY
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 19, 2022
The Desert Foxes of Algeria will be relying on Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez to weave his magic against a resilient Cameroon side to qualify.
The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will be counting on the ingenuity of striker Vincent Aboubakar, who was the top scorer with 8 goals in 7 matches at the last Africa Cup of Nations.
DR Congo Vs Morocco
🇨🇩 DR Congo 🆚 Morocco 🇲🇦
🏟 Stade des Martyrs
🏆 The first leg of the #WCQ final round
🗓 the 25th of March
⏰ 15:00 GMTWho will come out on top in the first 90 minutes between the two sides? 🤔 #WorldCup | @fecofa_kinshasa | @EnMaroc pic.twitter.com/mkW6x8HLsb
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 22, 2022
DR Congo are chasing its first World Cup appearance in 48 years. Star man Theo Bongonda is widely seen as the man to steer the side to victory against Morocco.
PSG defender Achraf Hakimi has been in phenomenal form for Morocco, as he was the key player for the Atlas Lions in its recent international run when they reached the quarter-finals of last month’s AFCON in Cameroon. He will be hoping to inspire his nation to claim victory against DR Congo.
Mali Vs Tunisia
🇲🇱 Mali 🆚 Tunisia 🇹🇳
🏟 Stade du 26 Mars
🏆 The first leg of the #WCQ final round
🗓 March 25
🕓 17:00 GMTWho will score first in this highly anticipated clash? 🤔 #WorldCup | @femafoot | @FTF_OFFICIELLE pic.twitter.com/pPbXzNig6k
— CAF (@CAF_Online) March 23, 2022
Tunisia’s long-standing striker Youssef Msakni will be hoping to guide his nation to Qatar when they face a talented Mali side. Msakni’s overall contribution and goal threat from midfield makes him the talisman of the Carthage Eagles.
The return of Yves Bissouma to Mali’s national team has injected some confidence among the players, believing that they can defeat Tunisia to make its first appearance at the World Cup.
All the ties will be played over two legs on Friday, March 25th and Tuesday, March 29th.
CAF (Africa)
Nations already qualified: None
Confirmed World Cup places allocated: Five
Nations that can still qualify: Egypt, Senegal, Cameroon, Algeria, Ghana, Nigeria, DR Congo, Morocco, Mali, Tunisia
Chidi Nwoke/CAF.
