Algeria secured a spot on the subsequent Africa Cup of Nations finals with a 1-0 away win over Niger on Monday that ensured a top-two end of their qualifying group with two video games to go.
They may be a part of neighbours Morocco, who certified final Friday with out kicking a ball, within the area of 24-team for the finals within the Ivory Coast subsequent January.
Nigeria, Congo, Guinea, Sudan and the Central African Republic, who’ve by no means beforehand certified for the finals, have been additionally winners on Monday.
Algeria’s Baghdad Bounedjah slipped via the defence within the fifth minute to place the guests forward as they costed to victory in Tunis, the place Niger hosted the sport after their very own stadium was deemed insufficient for worldwide competitors.
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Algeria needed to come from behind to beat the identical facet at dwelling final week — with Riyad Mahrez scoring an 88th-minute winner — and in consequence coach Djamel Belmadi made eight modifications for Monday’s Group F match, emphasising the depth at his disposal.
Nigeria, additionally brimming with European-based gamers, have been humbled final Friday in a shock dwelling defeat by Guinea Bissau however reclaimed high spot in Group A with a 1-0 win within the return leg. Moses Simon‘s thirtieth minute penalty moved them to 9 factors.
Ghana high Group E after coming from behind to attract in Angola, who have been forward via a 51st penalty from Studying‘s Lucas Joao in solely the second look for the previous Portugal worldwide who has switched allegiance.
Osman Bukari equalised some 20 minutes later and Ghana, of their second recreation underneath new coach Chris Houghton, hit the woodwork late on as they seemed to grab victory in Luanda.
They high Group E on eight factors with the Central African Republic shifting into second spot after beating Madagascar 2-0 in impartial Cameroon with a double from Louis Mafouta. They’ve seven factors with Angola down in third place on 5.
Congo put themselves again in rivalry in Group G as they received 1-0 away to South Sudan with Italy-based Gabriel Charpentier netting a last-gasp winner.
Naby Keita scored for Guinea as they edged Ethiopia 3-2 to high Group D, whereas a spectacular bicycle kick from Muhamed Kome noticed Sudan beat Group I leaders Gabon 1-0 to maneuver inside a degree.
Tuesday will see an additional 13 matches to finish the fourth of six rounds of qualifying.