CAF #WCQ Roundup: Four Teams Eliminated, Others Continue 2018 FIFA World Cup Ticket Chase

Matchday 4 in the third round of CAF matches for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification produced results predicted only by a handful.

Group A:

The two teams jostling for the sole world cup ticket in the group met in, Kinshasa and goals flowed freely.

Chancel Mbemba opened the scoring for DR Congo in the 9th minute, a lead doubled early in the second half by M’Poku to send the fans inside the Stade des Martyrs into a frenzy, but their joy was short-lived as a late fight back from Tunisia began after an own goal in the 77th minute by Wilfred Moke Abro.

Anice Badri made sure of one point for the Cartage Eagles in the 79th minute to halt guaranteed qualification in the group.

Libya with little hope for qualification secured a (1-0) home win against Guinea in Monastir. The only goal of the fixture was scored in the 36th minute via Elhouni.

Standings: Tunisia (10pts), DR Congo (7pts), Guinea (3pts), Libya (3pts).

Group B:

Arguably the most unpredictable group when the draws were made last year, but results have trimmed the potential qualifiers to two teams – Nigeria and Zambia.

In Yaoundé, African champions Cameroon were held to a (1-1) draw by group leaders Nigeria. Moses Simon scored the first in what was an intense battle in the 30th minute. Substitute, Vincent Aboubakar’s penalty goal in the 75th minute prevented what was in line to become a doubleheader victory for the Super Eagles.

At d Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, Constantine, the fans were left gnashing their teeth as Zambia’s Patson Daka scored a 66th-minute goal which confirmed the elimination of the desert foxes.

Standings: Nigeria (10pts), Zambia (7pts), Cameroon (3pts), Algeria (1pt)

Group C:

Gabon produced an unforeseen performance to halt celebrations for Ivory Coast in Bouaké. Axel Méyé, and Lemina were responsible for the goals in the 19th and 29th minute respectively – with the home team’s consolatory strike coming in the 58th minute off Gnaly Maxwel Cornet.

The other group fixture in Bamako ended Mali 0-0 Morocco.

Standings: Ivory Coast (7pts), Morocco (6pts), Gabon (5pts), Mali (2pts)

Group D:

Surely one of the most astonishing result happened in this group as South Africa lost both legs to Cape Verde in similar score (1-2).

Gary Rodrigues brace in the 52nd and 67th minute was enough for the Tubarões Azuis to walk away from the Moses Mabhida Stadium with maximum points.

In Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso were held to a (2-2) draw by Senegal to leave all four teams viable for qualification.

Standings: Burkina Faso (6pts), Cape Verde (6pts), Senegal (5pts), South Africa (4pts)

Group E:

The Black Stars of Ghana who prior to this match day were on the verge of elimination, restored hope with a sublime performance which saw the team secure a (5-1) victory against host Congo in Brazzaville.

Thomas Teye Partey scored a hat-trick while Boakye added two goals.

At the Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt returned the favor with a (1-0) win over Uganda cranes. Liverpool forward, Mohammed Salah with the solitary strike.

Standings: Egypt (9pts), Uganda (7pts), Ghana (5pts), Congo (1pt)

Action will resume October when a host of spots to Russia 2018 go up for grabs.