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Tip: Gambia to win
Seychelles will end their disastrous qualification campaign against Gambia, who, despite some entertaining attacking performances, ruined their chances of progressing early in the group. Gambia have been one of the most exciting teams towards the end of the campaign, scoring 20 goals – the second-highest in the group – but conceding 18, exposing their defensive fragility. Coach Johnny McKinstry can at least be satisfied with how his team performs offensively – Brighton's Yankuba Minteh and Musa Barrow are among the top scorers, both netting five goals. Forward Adama Sidibeh, who has scored twice in his last game, should complement the 4-4-2 system well enough to overwhelm their opponent. Seychelles have struggled in every aspect of the qualifiers – with 46 goals conceded and only two scored, they are the worst team in the African qualifying rounds. They enter this match after a crushing 0-7 defeat to Ivory Coast and a seven-game losing streak. Their only bright moment remains a draw with Lesotho in the COSAFA Cup and the fact that one of their two goals came against Gambia. Despite several players missing due to suspensions, the Scorpions are expected to confirm their status as clear favourites.
Tip: Algeria to win
Algeria have already secured their place at the World Cup after a dominant qualifying campaign that included just one defeat in nine matches. Vladimir Petković's side play confident, attacking football with 22 goals scored and want to give their home fans a winning farewell. Riyad Mahrez is the star player, but Mohamed El Amine Amoura has emerged as the main talisman with eight goals and four assists. Experienced striker Baghdad Bounedjah will also look to add to his tally. Uganda still have something to play for – they need a point to secure second place and could still hope for a playoff spot. Paul Put’s team are on an impressive three-game winning run without conceding, and a defence led by goalkeeper Denis Onyango will aim to resist the home pressure. Although the Cranes are in good form, facing a strong opponent away from home will be a major challenge. If Amoura and Mahrez maintain their current level, the hosts should dominate.
Tip: Guinea to win
Guinea and Botswana will finish their qualifying campaigns in a match that no longer affects progression, but it still promises an intriguing contest. Guinea can be pleased with their performance – four wins from nine matches and a three-match unbeaten run show Paul Duarte’s team is improving. Their last 2-0 victory over Mozambique was secured by Abdoulkarim Traore, who has hit form at the right time. Star striker Serhou Guirassy has been below expectations with just one goal but will have another chance to show his quality. Botswana surprised many by winning three matches in qualifying, but their form has vanished recently – three consecutive defeats and six matches without a win say it all. Their attack has been toothless, especially against stronger teams, as shown by their 0-1 loss to Uganda, where they managed just one shot on target. Guinea also have extra motivation to avenge their previous loss to Botswana and finish qualifying on a high note.
Tip: Nigeria to win
Nigeria stand on the brink of major disappointment – if they want to keep their qualification hopes alive, they must beat Benin by at least two goals and hope South Africa drop points. Eric Chelle’s side have struggled with inconsistency – winning only three of nine matches and drawing five. Experience and quality still favour the Super Eagles, who will rely on striker Victor Osimhen and wingers Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze. In midfield, Alex Iwobi will play a key role in orchestrating attacks. Benin, under former Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr, have surprised everyone – five wins put them top of the group and close to a historic qualification. Their key strength is a solid defence that has conceded just seven goals, complemented by Steve Mounié in attack. Their 2-1 win over Nigeria in June gives them added confidence. However, Nigeria’s superior quality and the pressure of the situation should prove decisive.
Tip: Mozambique to win
Somalia will want to finish their disappointing qualifying campaign with a respectable performance, but it will not be easy against a motivated opponent. The Ocean Stars have earned just one point from nine matches, and their attack – which has scored only three goals – has struggled throughout. Their defence has conceded 19 goals, making them the second-worst team in the group after Seychelles. Mozambique still have a chance to reach the playoffs but must win and hope to be among the best runners-up. Their main weakness is defence – with 17 goals conceded, they are among the poorest in the section. The attacking duo of Geny Catamo and Pepo Santos, both with two goals, will play a key role in this decisive game. Somalia will try to replicate their competitive performance from the reverse fixture (1-2), but the quality and motivation are clearly on the visitors’ side. If Mozambique score early, it could turn into a comfortable victory.
Tip: South Africa to win
South Africa must win to progress to the next stage of qualification, ideally by a two-goal margin if Nigeria only draw. Despite being competitive for most of the campaign, Bafana Bafana’s hopes were complicated by a three-point deduction due to an administrative error and a 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe. They dominated that match, hitting the woodwork twice and creating several clear chances. Coach Hugo Broos will rely on Lyle Foster, who was unlucky against Zimbabwe, and active wingers Oswin Appollis and Mohau Nkota. Rwanda have nothing to play for but could still be a tricky opponent – after all, they won the reverse fixture. Their recent 0-1 defeat to Benin exposed their attacking limitations, but their defence can still be difficult to break down. If the hosts take their chances, they should get the job done despite the pressure.
Tip: DR Congo to win
DR Congo must win to keep their hopes of direct qualification or at least a playoff spot alive. Sébastien Desabre’s side boast one of the best defences in qualifying (just six goals conceded) and are in excellent form – six wins from nine matches. Striker Cédric Bakambu will once again be the main offensive threat after scoring the winner against Togo last time out. The hosts can also rely on the pace of wingers Nathanael Mbuku and Ibrahim Mayele. Sudan no longer have a chance to progress but will aim to finish the campaign with pride. Their biggest problem is a lack of goals – they haven’t scored in their last three matches and are among the weakest attacking sides in the group. Although they won the reverse fixture 1-0, current form clearly favours the hosts. If DR Congo maintain their recent performances, they should secure all three points.
Tip: Gabon to win
Gabon enter the final round with one goal – to win and hope Ivory Coast slip up. Thierry Mouyouma’s team have had an excellent qualifying campaign with seven wins and just one defeat, proving they can compete with the best. Their attack is among the most productive (20 goals) but will be weakened by the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is suspended. Denis Bouanga, with eight goals, and talented youngster Noha Lemina, who brings speed and creativity, will lead the offensive line. Burundi have nothing left to play for and have struggled apart from wins over Seychelles and Gambia. Their defence has conceded 11 goals and they generally struggle away from home. Motivation and quality should see the hosts through even without their biggest star.
Tip: Ivory Coast to win
Ivory Coast have everything in their hands – a home win against Kenya will secure their first World Cup appearance in 11 years. Emerse Fae’s side are in outstanding form: seven wins from nine matches, 22 goals scored and none conceded speak for themselves. A recent 7-0 thrashing of Seychelles underlined their dominance and showcased the depth of the squad, with seven different players getting on the scoresheet. Main attacking threats Evann Guessand and Oumar Diakité will be supported by experienced midfielders Franck Kessié and Simon Adingra. Kenya cannot qualify but are motivated to secure third place and end the campaign positively. Captain Michael Olunga, with six goals, is their key weapon, but a defence that has conceded 11 goals will struggle against relentless home pressure. The reverse fixture ended 0-0, but any point for Kenya this time would be a major surprise.
Tip: Senegal to win
Senegal can complete a perfect qualifying campaign with a victory that will secure top spot and direct qualification. The Lions of Teranga remain unbeaten and boast the best defence in the group – just three goals conceded. In attack, they rely on a star trio of Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr, and Nicolas Jackson, all of whom scored in their recent 5-0 demolition of South Sudan. Pape Thiaw’s team is one of the most complete on the continent and among the favourites for the finals. Mauritania sit second from bottom and have been toothless in attack – they haven’t scored in their last three matches and are among the weakest offences overall. Their main goal will be to keep the score respectable, but that seems unlikely given the gulf in quality. History and current form both clearly favour the hosts.
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