Africa – World Cup qualification – third stage
What we learned in the first leg encounters
1. Morocco secured a crucial point in Kinshasa. ( D.R Congo 1-1 Morocco )
Tarik Tissoudali from the edge of the box delivered the sucker punch on D.R Congo in the 76th minute after Ayoub El Kaabi provided the assistance with a headed pass. Yoane Wissa opened the scoring for D.R Congo after unleashing a shot from the edge of the box which took a deflection. Ryan Mmaee in the 55th minute missed a penalty for Morocco.
Hector Cuper and his lads must play beyond their usual standard if they are to end the 48 years of wait for the World Cup. Morocco on the other hand will have a huge advantage playing at home.
2. Rigobert Song’s debut ended in a disaster ( Cameroon 0-1 Algeria )
The decision to appoint Rigobert Song seems to be a poor one considering that Cameroon lost in Limbe against Algeria. The Greens needed a reaction from the abysmal show in 2021 AFCON. Islam Slimani’s headed goal from Belaili’s free-kick settled the contest. On Tuesday in Blida, Algeria will relish the opportunity to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar after missing Russia in 2018. Cameroon chasing a record 8th World Cup appearance must play above themselves if they are to qualify.
3. Mali’s wait for a first World Cup appearance is in doubt. ( Mali 0- 1 Tunisia)
Mali was playing against a very experienced side when it comes to World Cup qualifiers. Tunisia has appeared at the World Cup finals on 5 occasions while Mali has never been to the World Cup before. Tunisia showed enough experience capitalising on Moussa Sissako’s bad day. The PSG defender scored an own goal in the 36th minute and also received a red card in the 40th minute. Mali played more than 50 minutes with ten men. Mali has the quality in Doucoure, Bissouma, Haidara, Djenepo and Kone to do the impossible in Rades on Tuesday against a team that is always comfortable playing at home. It was Mali’s first defeat in the World Cup qualifiers.
4. The Jollof derby ended in a goalless draw.
The much-anticipated West Africa derby
failed to produce a goal after 90 minutes. Otto Addo made his debut as Black Stars manager and must be bullish ahead of the second leg in Lagos on Tuesday. Ghana played very well compared to the performance in 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
Chances in the game were few because both managers were cautious. The Baba Yara Sports Stadium was filled to its fullest capacity. The atmosphere was very charged and the same is expected on Tuesday.
5. Egypt revenge in a grand style.
Egypt completed a wonder matchday for the North African teams. An own goal by Saliou Ciss in the 4th minute was enough for Egypt for revenge on Senegal. The Lions of Terranga won the AFCON in January against Egypt. The Pharaohs needed better results in Cairo to stand a great chance to win a ticket to Qatar. Aliou Cisse and his lads have a daunting task on Tuesday to eliminate Egypt. Game on at Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diam.
Source: Amakye Ansah
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