Round-up : Gigantic Fights For Knockout Tickets

The train of the 2019 Total African Nations Cup is in motion. While some teams are already booking their tickets for the knockout stage, others are still fine-tuning their strategies to grab a place. After 24 matches during which 43 goals were scored, 19 yellow and 1 red cards issued, it is time to take a break and examine the possible scenarios group-bygroup.

In Group A, it is certain that host country Egypt will progress to the second round of the competition. After two victories, three goals scored and zero conceded, the Pharaohs are topping the classification table with six points. Except a defeat against second placed Uganda with four points, the Pharaohs are sure to end the group at the top position. The fight for the second ticket of the group is now between Zimbabwe and Uganda. With a point at hand, a victory for Zimbabwe and a better goal margin would either place them ahead of Uganda or increase their chances for the second round as one of the best losers.

In Group B, the fight for the first position is still alive. Even though Nigeria has secured a second round ticket, the Super Eagle’s leadership position is not certain. A defeat to Madagascar with four points on the last day of their group game might turn the table. The other encounter pitting Guinea to Burundi is also very vital for both teams. A victory for Guinea will increase their chances for the knockout stage with four points, while debutants Burundi with zero point can still hope to move on with three points depending on the situation in other groups. After several years of dismal performance, Algeria seems to have found the winning code. At the 2019 AFCON, they have registered two sweeping victories that have placed them on the Group C podium with six points. Behind the Fennecs of Algeria, there is a fight for a second ticket between Senegal and Kenya who have so far registered three points each. The last day of play will be very decisive for Senegal that will be clashing against Kenya and Tanzania against Algeria.

Coach Herve Renard’s side, the Atlas Lions of Morocco might have won two of their group matches and assured a second round ticket, but the danger for his team to top the Group D table looms. Though with six points at their credit, the Moroccans have a big match against South Africa that needs a win at all cost to move their tally to six points. In the other encounter, Ivory Coast might make a comeback after a surprised d...