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10 African World Cup Qualifying Matches Coming This Weekend

10 African World Cup Qualifying Matches Coming This Weekend

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The third round of African World Cup qualifying is about to get underway, with 20 teams from the continent left with a chance of securing one of the five spots allocated to the African continent.

The 20 teams have been drawn into five groups of four teams each, with the winner of the group after a round-robin format qualifying for Russia 2018. This weekend will see the opening matches of the third round group stage.

Here are 10 African World Cup qualifying matches to look out for this coming weekend.

Sources: FIFA.

Padou Bompunga - Congo DR
DR Congo is a force to be reckoned with – newvision.co.ug

DR Congo – Libya

Group A consists of DR Congo, Libya, Tunisia and Guinea, and in this encounter the Democratic Republic of Congo will host Libya in a tough match-up that many would expect to go the way of the Congolese.

Saad Bguir - Tunisia
Tunisia have great pedigree – Photo: coaching-foot.com

Tunisia – Guinea

The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia have consistently been a difficult customer in qualifying matches, and have qualified for past World Cups, while Guinea have not. The North Africans would be expected to emerge victorious from this match.

African World Cup qualifying
Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be in action against Zambia – owngoalnigeria.com

Zambia – Nigeria

One of the most exciting fixtures in this round of matches involves two recent AFCON champions, Zambia and Nigeria. Neither of the two have qualified for the 2017 Nations Cup, but they will both be determined to restore national pride in their respective teams when the Super Eagles travel to face Chipolopolo this weekend.

2017 Africa Cup of Nations
Algeria is among the favourites to qualify for Russia 2018

Algeria – Cameroon

Many people would have expected both Algeria and Cameroon to qualify for Russia 2018, but the fact that they are in the same group makes that impossible. The Fennec Foxes are the number two ranked African side, and would be expected to beat the Indomitable Lions at home.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will aim to make an impact - fmbase.co.uk
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will aim to make an impact – fmbase.co.uk

Gabon – Morocco

The Panthers of Gabon have Africa’s best player in their ranks, with current African Player of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the attack for Gabon when they host the technically gifted Moroccans. Morocco will want to be present in Russia two years from now, but they find themselves in a tough group alongside Cote D’Ivoire and Mali.

Cote D'Ivoire win - 2017 AFCON draw
Cote D’Ivoire are 2015 AFCON Winners – imatin.net

Cote D’Ivoire – Mali

African champions Cote D’Ivoire will be attempting to reach their fourth straight World Cup in Russia, but the likes of Gabon and Morocco stand in their way, as well as this weekend’s opponents from Mali. This West African battle will be an entertaining one.

Bafana Bafana celebrating their Africa Cup of Nations berth in 2012, before it was realized that they had in fact not qualified BBC.co.uk
Bafana Bafana are aiming to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia – BBC.co.uk

Burkina Faso – South Africa

South Africa travel to Burkina Faso to kick off their third round World Cup qualifying campaign. They have shown the ability to do well away in away matches in recent times, and Bafana know that they will need a positive result with difficult matches against Senegal and Cape Verde to come.

Senegal have some of the best strikers on the continent - DailyMail.co.uk
Senegal have some of the best strikers on the continent – DailyMail.co.uk

Senegal – Cape Verde

The Teranga Lions of Senegal are blessed with excellent strikers, and will need to make those individuals count in their home fixture against Cape Verde. The islanders have emerged in recent times as formidable opponents, and should not be ignored as potential dark horses in Group D.

Ghanaian midfielder Afriyie Acquah
Ghanaian midfielder Afriyie Acquah – kasapafmonline.com

Ghana – Uganda

The Tamale Stadium in Ghana will host the first match of African third round qualifying, with the Black Stars of Ghana welcoming the Uganda Cranes on Friday. Ghana have been consistent qualifiers for World Cups in recent editions, and they should make it to Russia 2018 from Group E.

2017 AFCON Qualification
Egypt striker Mohamed Salah – futaa.com

Congo – Egypt

The Pharaohs of Egypt have experienced a resurgence of late under coach Hector Cuper, having finally returned to the AFCON after missing a few editions. They will want to continue that form in World Cup qualifiers in hopes of reaching Russia 2018, with the first step coming in a tough away encounter in Congo.