Algeria along with Morocco has qualified for the Africa Cup. Nigeria is also back on track after last Friday’s disgrace against Guinea-Bissau. Without Calvin Bassey, it took revenge for the painful defeat at home.
The African Football Association (CAF) previously chose to only organize the tournament in the summer to ensure that clubs were less affected by it. Many European clubs had to hand over their stars in January and February to national teams participating in the tournament.
Also in the upcoming edition, the CAF will again not be able to hold the tournament every other summer. Ivory Coast would be the host country in June and July next year, but the climate also plays a major role now. The rainy season peaks in the summer, so the organization now chooses to postpone the tournament to January and February 2024.
Guinea-Bissau 0-1 Nigeria
On Friday, things went wrong. Guinea-Bissau won for the first time in Nigeria’s history thanks to a goal from Mama Baldé. The 27-year-old attacker from Troyes ran away from Bassey after a long pass from the back and beat Nigeria goalkeeper Francis Uzoho: 0-1.
The defender of AFC Ajax, like several internationals, was criticized in Nigerian media and was one of the players who lost his starting place on Monday. Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho (both Leicester City FC) were also referred to the bench by national coach José Peseiro.
From the bench, Calvin Bassey saw his teammates win against Guinea-Bissau this time. FC Nantes attacker Moses Simon scored the winning goal after half an hour from a penalty. The Super Eagles had chances for more goals, but, just like last Friday, did not use those chances efficiently. Nevertheless, Nigeria is back at the top of Group A after four matches and is on course for the Africa Cup.
Niger 0-1 Algeria
Algeria is already certain of a ticket after four rounds. Last year’s losing finalist also won his fourth qualifying match in Niger on Monday. Through an early goal from Baghdad Bounedjah. The 31-year-old Al-Sadd striker hit the mark after six minutes on a pass from Riyad Mahrez. That was it, so basic player Zerrouki can prepare for the Africa Cup with his country.
Angola 1-1 Ghana
Mohammed Kudus has to wait a while with Ghana before he has received his ticket for the Africa Cup. With the Ajax player in the starting line-up, The Black Stars did not get any further than a draw at Angola. Lucas João opened the score from a penalty kick for the home team six minutes after the break, Kudus’ replacement Osman Bukari prevented a defeat from Ghana, which is still top of Group E.
