Countries vie for 2019 Africa Cup
Nigeria, Uganda, Mali and Morocco qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, while Libya scored eight goals to keep alive their hopes of also featuring at the finals.
Nigeria drew 1-1 with SA in Soweto, Uganda edged Cape Verde 1-0 in Kampala, Mali beat Gabon in Libreville and Morocco went through after rivals Malawi lost in the Comoros.
Libya triumphed 8-1 in the Seychelles and host SA in March next year on the final matchday needing a win to accompany Nigeria in qualifying from Group E.
The Libyans just missed equalling the record away winning margin for a Cup of Nations qualifier held by Ghana, who won 9-1 in Niger 49 years ago.
A total of nine nations have booked places at the newlyextended 24-team finals with hosts Cameroon, Madagascar, Senegal, Egypt and Tunisia securing berths before this past weekend.
Nigeria, the three-time former champions who had failed to qualify for the last two editions, were ahead in SA within nine minutes, when Mkhwanazi scored an goal.
Outstanding South African Percy Tau set up the equaliser for Lebo Mothiba on 26 minutes, but the hosts were fortunate as several contentious offside decisions went against Nigeria.
“A draw feels like a victory because of the heat (32°C) and getting little sleep on our overnight flight,” Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr said.
Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari was among those who hailed the Super Eagles for qualifying.
“The president joins millions of football-loving Nigerians in commending the team for their spirited and disciplined performance against a very formidable opponent,” a statement said.
SA coach Stuart Baxter said: “I am proud that we have taken four points off Nigeria in the group and disappointed that we were not braver during the second half.”
Anis Saltou bagged a hat-trick in Victoria as Libya humiliated the Seychelles, whose 188th Buhle own world ranking is the among the 48 teams qualifying competition.
Meanwhile, Patrick Kaddu’s 79th-minute goal not only assured Uganda of first place in Group L, it opened the door for Tanzania to also qualify.
If Tanzania win in Lesotho on Sunday they will return to the African football showcase after a 39-year absence.
An early Moussa Doumbia goal gave Mali a 1-0 victory and left Gabon needing a matchday 6 victory in Burundi to qualify from Group C.
A draw will suffice for Burundi, who are ranked 142nd in the world and seeking a first Cup of Nations appearance.
Morocco qualified when Group B rivals Malawi lost 2-1 away to out-of-contention Comoros in Mitsamiouli.
The Comoran victory in the Indian Ocean state gave Morocco an unassailable six-point advantage over Malawi.
Morocco and second-placed Cameroon qualify from the group, with the latter assured of a place because they are hosting the tournament between June 15-July 13. – lowest in the