By Our Correspondent, NAIROBI Kenya
By this time next week we will know the 24 teams who will contest the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the final two rounds of qualifiers set to throw up a number of winner-takes-all matches.
Ghana are the biggest name in danger of missing out on the tournament in Morocco, with the Black Stars needing to pick up maximum points and hope Sudan suffer two defeats.
The top two in each of the 12 qualifying groups progress, with former champions Algeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt and Senegal already assured of their places alongside Angola, Burkina Faso and the hosts.
Central African Republic are the only side still in contention who are yet to make their Nations Cup debut, while Botswana and Rwanda are bidding to make just a second appearance.
Group A is the tightest to call, with all four nations still in with a shout.
Leaders Tunisia are a point ahead of Comoros and two in front of The Gambia, with outsiders Madagascar further back.
The Carthage Eagles, who are chasing a record-extending 17th successive appearance at the finals, have placed Kais Yaacoubi in interim charge after sacking veteran boss Faouzi Benzarti.
Madagascar must beat the North Africans on Thursday to keep their faint hopes alive, while The Gambia face a crunch ‘home’ clash against Comoros a day later in Berkane.
Depending on those results, the final round of matches, when Tunisia welcome the Scorpions and Comoros entertain Madagascar, could be nerve-shredding for fans of all four countries.
Group B looks more straightforward, with Morocco having already guaranteed top spot and Gabon favourites to clinch second.
The Panthers host Morocco on Friday and will be through if they match Central African Republic’s result against Lesotho.
Otherwise, Gabon’s visit to CAR on Monday will be another must-watch decider.
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