2022 World Cup: five duels to watch in Africa in October
Senegalese Sadio Mané, during CAN 2019. Giuseppe CACACE / AFP
Text by: David Kalfa Follow
4 min
The 3rd and 4th African qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup take place from 6 to 12 October 2021, with 41 matches.
Here are five confrontations to follow in particular: Tunisia - Mauritania, Egypt - Libya, Senegal - Namibia, Guinea - Morocco and DR Congo - Madagascar.
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GROUP B: Tunisia - Mauritania
It is the duel of extremes between Tunisians at the top of the standings with two victories and Mauritanians last following two setbacks.
A defeat in Tunisia on October 7 would almost condemn the Mourabitounes.
Even a draw at Radès would be an insufficient result for Mauritania.
Conversely, a success at home and then a victory in Nouakchott on October 10 could qualify the Carthage Eagles for the last round of the playoffs or, at the very least, put them in excellent shape before the 5th and 6th days (11 to 16 November 2021).
For the Tunisian coach Mondher Kebaïer and his proteges, the lights are therefore green, they who are aiming for a sixth participation in the final phase of the World Cup, the second in a row after the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
GROUP F: Egypt - Libya
Will Libya surprise you during this group stage?
Currently first in Group F with 6 points, two more than Egypt, the Libyans will clearly be in a strong position on October 11 in Benghazi, if they negotiate their trip to Borg El Arab on October 8.
The Knights of the Mediterranean have rediscovered their colors since the return to their bench of Javier Clemente, who notably won the CHAN 2014 during his first experience at the head of the Libyan selection (2013-2016).
Opposite, Egypt finds itself in a delicate situation with Carlos Queiroz as coach.
The Portuguese replaces at short notice Hossam El Badry, fired in September despite five wins and four draws in nine matches.
The technician paid the dull performances of the Pharaohs against Angola (1-0) and Gabon (1-1).
At least Queiroz should be able to count on a Mohamed Salah in great shape to make the difference in favor of the Egyptians.
A (RE) READ ► 2022 World Cup: Africa qualifying schedule and results
GROUP H: Senegal - Namibia
Senegal - Namibia is one of five confrontations that will oppose the first of a group to his dolphin. This is particularly expected because the Senegalese are mathematically able to secure first place in Pool H, if they win twice against the Namibians and Togo and Congo-Brazzaville draw at least one draw in the same. time.
The context also seems favorable to the Lions since they will receive on October 9 in Thiès while the Brave Warriors will have to play "at home" on October 12 in Soweto.
It remains to be seen whether the Senegalese who play in the English Championship will play the match in South Africa.
This country is indeed one of the destinations placed on the red list by the British authorities because of the Covid.
In recent months, English clubs have suddenly been reluctant to let their players travel to states like South Africa.
GROUP I: Guinea - Morocco
This meeting was originally scheduled to take place on September 6 in Conakry.
But, due to a coup d'état in Guinea, it was postponed to October 12 and relocated to… Morocco.
The Moroccans will therefore play three times at home in the space of a week: the 6 in Rabat and the 9 in Casablanca against Guinea-Bissau, then against Sily National.
The Atlas Lions approach this triple meeting in a strong position, against two potential rivals.
The only downside: they will evolve without their star playmaker, Hakim Ziyech, who has not been selected because he is still at odds with coach Vahid Halilhodzic.
The Guineans, they will have to disregard the context in their country to be successful against Sudan (October 6 in Marrakech and October 9 in Agadir) then against Morocco.
GROUP J: DR Congo - Madagascar
Woe to the vanquished.
Especially to the Malagasy: if they do not pocket at least 3 points, the Barea will be able to make a definitive and anticipated cross on the first place, synonymous with "dams".
Not qualified for the African Cup of Nations, the Madagascar team is therefore playing big in October.
This is hardly less true for the selection of DRC, lacking results since 2018. The Leopards conceded a draw against Tanzania (1-1), on the first day.
With 2 points on the clock, they are struggling to take off in this group J. However, good news for the Congolese: they will be able to return to the Stade des Martyrs, declared compliant by CAF for this match, after having sometimes been forced to play matches. far from Kinshasa, for two years.
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