First Legs Recap

September 8, 2012:

Ten of the fifteen first legs have already been completed. It has been disastrous for the away teams of the first leg so far. Only three of the ten road nations managed a draw, and the other seven matches were won by the home teams.

Matches:

Zambia 1, Uganda 0

Central African Republic 1, Burkina Faso 0

Gabon 1, Togo 1

Ghana 2, Malawi 0

Liberia 2, Nigeria 2

Sierra Leone 2, Tunisia 2

Mali 3, Botswana 0

Cape Verde Islands 2, Cameroon 0

Sudan 5, Ethiopia 3

Ivory Coast 4, Senegal 2

Most Entertaining matches of Day 1: Ivory Coast-Senegal; Sudan-Ethiopia

Going into these matches, most people saw the Ivory Coast and Senegal as the biggest match of the qualifiers. It lived up to its billing as Senegal managed to throw dents into the Ivory Coast defense. In the last seven years, the Ivory Coast managed to give up only one goal at home. Today, they gave up two goals, but lucky for the Ivory Coast, they scored four times.

An east African derby provided some rather tense drama as well, as Sudan takes a two-goal advantage going into Ethiopia next month. Yet, despite having a 3-1 halftime lead, Sudan would give up the next two goals and the game was tied at 3-3.

Most crucial goal: Emmanuel Adebayor

One of the key figures in Togo's run to World Cup 2006, Adebayor left soccer, with the 2010 Togo bus massacre as the main reason for the self-imposed exile. Yet his tying goal leaves Togo in a very good position to reach AFCON 2013.

Fairytale coming true: Central African Republic

No team from Africa has caused as much a sensation, not only on the continent, but worldwide, as the Central African Republic. Once ranked 202 in the world just two years ago, the Central African Republic stunned Egypt to reach this stage, and now have one foot on the door that is AFCON 2013. They need to get at least a draw against Burkina Faso, but things are really looking great.

An honorable mention must go out to the Cape Verde Islands, who have a shocking two goal advantage going into Cameroon in October.

The timeline of the day



September 9, 2012: 
The remaining five ties have completed their first legs. Only one team managed to win away, and that match was actually played in Casablanca, Morocco. With the game looking to remain scoreless, Algeria scored a vital goal to take an advantage going into their second leg at home against Libya.

Matches:
Zimbabwe 3, Angola 1
Mozambique 2, Morocco 0
DR Congo 4, Equatorial Guinea 0
Libya 0, Algeria 1 (game played at Casablanca)
Guinea 1, Niger 0

Another upset alert: Mozambique in good position
Some of the heavyweights in Africa struggled in its first legs yesterday, and Morocco was another victim to an upset. As was the case with Cameroon yesterday, Morocco failed to score on the road and are down 2-0 going into the second leg. 

A fluke: Equatorial Guinea's humbling in the second half.
This past AFCON 2012, Equatorial Guinea soared to new heights as the country not only reached the quarterfinals of an AFCON tournament, but it was the first team to do so for the 2012 edition. Yet, today and that tournament proved to be night and day.

The last time Equatorial Guinea played a qualifier for an AFCON tournament was in 2008 (at that time, that qualifying portion doubled with that of qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup). It has been 1562 since Equatorial Guinea last won an AFCON qualifier. They had a chance with the a scoreless draw at halftime, but Congo DR had other answers.

A team to really watch: Congo DR
In the 1970s, Congo DR, which was called Zaire, set the standard for African football in that decade. It was the first sub-Saharan country to reach a FIFA World Cup. 

Yet, Congo DR has not reached an AFCON tournament since 2004. With eleven goals in their three qualifying matches, including four today, Congo DR is looking to make some noise should they reach South Africa.


The timeline of the day

Equatorial Guinea vs Congo DR

Equatorial Guinea made progress en route to a shocking run to this year’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON), playing against countries it had never previously met. Now, the country has been drawn to play Congo DR for the first time ever, but this time with a spot at AFCON 2013 at stake.

Having played in its first AFCON tournament in its history, Equatorial Guinea surprised many people by reaching the quarterfinals. The country reached the final eight on the strength of two dramatic victories in Bata. The first game came against Libya, when ex-Real Madrid striker Javier Balboa scored the only goal in the game. Four days later, David “Kily” Alvarez Aguirre scored in stoppage time to become the first team to reach the quarterfinals, while eliminating Senegal from AFCON 2012.

Equatorial Guinea’s run to the quarterfinals is even surprising, especially given the country’s football history. 

The country first game was against China in 1975, but Equatorial Guinea would not win its first game until 1999. Over several years, Equatorial Guinea would reach its highest ranking in March 2008, with Juvenal Edjogo-Owono as captain. Despite missing out on AFCON 2008,  Equatorial Guinea notched a memorable 1-0 victory against Cameroon in which Juvenal scored.

Congo DR, on the other hand, is looking to rekindle its glory days in the mid-1960s and 1970s. Congo DR, called Zaire at the time, won AFCON in 1968 and 1974. The country also qualified for the 1974 FIFA World Cup, defeating Zambia and Morocco in the final round and became the first sub-Saharan nation to reach the FIFA World Cup.

After reaching the World Cup, Congo DR went into a tailspin. The country would not qualify for AFCON until 1988. Four years later, Congo DR would reach seven consecutive AFCON tournaments, which included a third-place finish at AFCON 1998 against Burkina Faso and four quarterfinal appearances.

Congo DR is looking to reach the AFCON group stage for the first time since 2006. The country had reached this stage of AFCON 2013 qualifying by winning both legs against Seychelles, 4-0 in Victoria, Seychelles and 3-0 at home in Kinshasa.

Congo DR has a mix of players playing domestically and internationally. Among some of the leagues Congo DR’s players participate in include Germany’s Bundesliga, Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League, France Ligue 1 and even Major League Soccer, for which Steve Zakuani plays for the Seattle Sounders.

However, many players are part of TP Mazembe, Congo DR’s most successful team. Several players, including Dioko Kaliyutika, who scored two goals in the first leg against Seychelles, still play for the team, known for its surprising run to the final of the 2010 FIFA Club World Cup.

Since AFCON 2012, Juvenal scored both goals in a 2-2 draw against Sierra Leone in World Cup qualifying. Days earlier, Equatorial Guinea had a 1-0 lead at halftime against Tunisia, but lost 3-1. After winning their two games against Seychelles, Congo DR started its World Cup qualifying with a 1-0 loss in Cameroon, but won days later at home against Togo 2-0.

Congo DR made light work of Seychelles. Can they do the same for Equatorial Guinea and make it to AFCON 2013? The answer will come this October.

Sudan vs Ethiopia

Sudan made a dramatic statement this past year at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Now, Ethiopia looks to do the same as well, as two original teams from the inaugural AFCON in 1959 meet, with a berth at South Africa at stake.

A pioneer of African football, Ethiopia, along with Sudan, played its first AFCON game came in 1959. That game came in the final against Egypt and lost 4-0. Three years later, Ethiopia won AFCON 1962. But after reaching AFCON 1982, Ethiopia had regressed dramatically.

Ethiopia’s last real chance to qualify came was for AFCON 2004. On July 3, 2003, Ethiopia lost to Guinea 3-0 to finish third in its group for qualifying.  The country’s darkest day came on September 12, 2008. Despite having played four qualifiers, Ethiopia was officially disqualified from contention for AFCON 2010 (which doubled with that of 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying).

Ethiopia would be reinstated a year later, but in qualifying for AFCON 2012, Ethiopia managed to finish third in their group, courtesy of their two victories against Madagascar. Yet, the country did show improvement, as the country had a hand in knocking out Nigeria from AFCON 2012. Most of the players on Ethiopia roster play domestically, with Oumed Oukri, Adame Girma and Shimeles Bekede as the star players. Following the qualifiers, Ethiopia focused on its first World Cup qualifiers, where the country eased past Somalia 5-0 after a scoreless first leg.

On the road to AFCON 2013, Ethiopia began at home with a scoreless draw against Benin. But after Benin scored first in the second leg, Adane Girma had scored the away goal against Benin to finish 1-1. That result has sent Ethiopia on the cusp of reaching its first AFCON since 1982.

Just like Ethiopia, Sudan had a proud history as a pioneer of African football, winning AFCON 1970. But Sudan went into the wilderness for roughly 30 years. 

But during AFCON 2008 qualifying, Sudan not only qualified, but the country defeated Tunisia 3-2 to finish atop its qualifying group. Faisal Agab scored five goals, which was tied for most with five players helped Sudan qualify for its first AFCON tournament since 1976. Despite being eliminated in the first round, Sudan returned to AFCON four years later, as the country finished as one of the two best runners-up. In AFCON 2012, Sudan broke long droughts to reach the quarterfinals. Mohammed Bashir scored Sudan’s first goals in an AFCON game in 36 years. Four days later, Mudather El Tahir scored twice against Burkina Faso to help Sudan win its first game in AFCON since 1970, the last time Sudan reached the AFCON knockout stages.

In between its two draws against Benin, Ethiopia continued its FIFA World Cup qualifying with a 1-1 draw at South Africa in Rustenburg. Days later, Ethiopia would win 2-0 against the Central African Republic to sit top of its group after two games. Said Saladin scored both goals in that victory, Ethiopia’s first World Cup qualifying win since April 9, 2000. After the quarterfinals, Sudan attempted to prove its recent run was no fluke. Sudan avenged its quarterfinal loss to the eventual champions Zambia by winning at home 2-0.  Despite a stunning scoreless draw against Lesotho, Sudan also sits atop its qualifying group after two games.

With this East African rivalry reacquainted, which country will continue its momentum toward AFCON 2013? The answer will come this October.

Nigeria vs Liberia

After a tumultuous two years, Nigeria is looking to head back to the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), nearly 20 years after setting the standard in African football. Liberia stands in its path to returning to Africa’s biggest stage, who will look to reach AFCON for only the third time.

Nearly 20 years ago, Nigeria set the standard for African football, as the nation was ranked fifth in the world, the highest ranking ever for an African nation, two months before World Cup 1994.

Brothers Ikechukwu and Kalu Uche have scored goals for Nigeria at major tournaments and qualifying. The older brother scored two goals at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, while Ikechukwu scored a goal that almost sent Nigeria to AFCON 2012. However, a late goal at home to Guinea would send Guinea throught and Nigeria out of the tournament altogether.

Two of Nigeria’s most capped players have been playing for the national team for over a decade. Goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, who has been voted as best goalkeeper in AFCON tournaments previously, has had a knack for goal scoring also, particularly in penalty kick situations, while Joseph Yobo is Nigeria’s most capped player of all time with 87 appearances, surpassing Nwankwo Kanu and Mudashiru Lawal for most in the country.

Liberia, on the other hand, has appeared at AFCON only twice, in 1996 and 2002. Both teams were led by its greatest player in the country’s history, George Weah. In their first AFCON tournament, Liberia would have played Nigeria, who was the defending champions in the tournament. However, Nigeria withdrew prior to AFCON 1996. Liberia, it its first AFCON game, played at Durban’s Kings Park Stadium won 2-1 against Gabon. The goal Liberia gave up proved costly because Liberia would miss out on the quarterfinals on goal difference: Liberia lost to Zaire 2-0, and Gabon beat Zaire by the same score line.

Liberia would soon feel even more heartbreak in 2002, as the country blew leads against Mali and Algeria before losing to Nigeria 1-0 on a goal by Julius Agahowa and missing out again.

Since AFCON 2002, Liberia has struggled to be one of the top teams in Africa. Yet, Liberia did play spoiler to the Cape Verde Islands, who was threatening to shock Africa and reach AFCON 2012, avenging an earlier 4-2 defeat with a 1-0 victory in Paynesville.

Liberia has reached this stage of the 2013 AFCON qualification process by virtue of a Dioh Williams goal in the first leg against Namibia, and that was the only goal in the two legs from that matchup. For Nigeria, they were held scoreless in Rwanda before Ikechuku Uche and Ahmed Musa scored the only goals for Nigeria as the country survived.

In between its AFCON qualifiers, Liberia suffered a 3-1 reverse in Senegal and held Angola to a scoreless draw. Nigeria, for its part, beat Namibia 1-0 and tied at Malawi 1-1. In addition to the AFCON 2002 meeting, the nations met recently in a friendly, which Nigeria won 2-0. Nigeria had also lost in friendlies against Egypt and Peru earlier this year.

Will Nigeria make amends after failing to reach AFCON 2012, or will Liberia upset the odds and reach South Africa? The answer will come this October.

Togo vs Gabon

Togo has been through a tumultuous odyssey that has been tragedy and disappointment since reaching its first World Cup in 2006. Now, the country is looking to return to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with Gabon standing in their way of a spot in South Africa.

Even before the country played in the World Cup, Togo was in the headlines for off field issues. The big story that arose in Togo came when its coach threatened to quit prior to the World Cup. Although its coach managed during the group stage, Togo went out of the tournament with only a Mohamed Kader goal and no wins or points.

During qualifying for AFCON 2008, a plane crash killed 20 member of Togo. Emmanuel Adebayor has been the central figure in Togo to its first ever World Cup, to go along with three AFCON tournaments. However, not only has Togo never advanced past the group stage, but in the 2010 edition, following a deadly bus attack, Togo withdrew from the tournament. With the government ordering the team to come home immediately and not participate at AFCON 2010, Togo was handed a two-year ban by Africa’s governing body (CAF), prompting Adebayor to retire.

Yet, Africa’s governing body lifted the ban, and Togo was allowed to compete in qualifying for AFCON 2012. The country suffered a fourth place finish in qualifying, managing just one victory in eight qualifiers. After the AFCON 2012 qualifying phase, Togo nearly suffered a huge embarrassment: the country began qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in the first round. The first leg was a head-scratching 1-1 draw in Guinea-Bissau. Despite winning the second leg 1-0 at home, Togo got their goal courtesy of Guinea-Bissau’s goalkeeper Jonas: a third-minute own goal which Togo was able to hang on to the next round.

In contrast, Gabon has been an African team on the rise. In AFCON 2010, Gabon missed out on a quarterfinal place. Despite winning against Cameroon 1-0 on a goal by Daniel Cousin, Gabon lost on tiebrakers to Zambia and Cameroon.

As co-hosts for AFCON 2012, Gabon did not disappoint, as like the other co-host Equatorial Guinea, Gabon reached the quarterfinals after two games. The main player on Gabon responsible for just its second ever quarterfinal appearance was Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Despite being the only player to miss a penalty kick against Mali in the quarterfinals, Aubameyang scored all three goals in the group stage: none proved more dramatic that the game winner he scored against Morocco.

The teams had meet in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Gabon defeated Togo in the first meeting 3-0 on the field, a result that remained the same by forfeiture due to Togo fielding an ineligible player. Togo would win the second meeting 1-0. The teams have also met in seven friendlies, the most recent coming less than a month prior to the 2010 World Cup.  Togo continued its World Cup qualifying with a 1-1 draw at home to Libya and a 2-0 loss in Congo Dr. Gabon began its campaign with a scoreless draw in Niger and a 1-0 home victory against Burkina Faso.

Can Togo overcome tragedy and put it aside for the country to return to AFCON? Will Gabon emerge as a new power in African football? The answer will come this October.

Mali vs Botswana

Earlier this year, Mali defeated Botswana in an African Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage game, en route to a third place finish. Now, Mali and Botswana meet again in a playoff, with the winner qualifying for AFCON 2013 in South Africa.

Mali will be looking to reach AFCON for the seventh time since 1994, and Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita has been the captain to lead the country. Keita has scored 19 goals in 72 appearances for his country, and will be looking to play in his sixth AFCON tournament. Since 2000, Keita has been responsible for Mali’s success in AFCON, with his two goals against Angola in AFCON 2010 as the signature moment in a game which ended in a 4-4 tie after Mali was down 4-0 against the hosts.

Keita scored the game winning goal against Botswana in AFCON 2012 in Libreville, Gabon. In the quarterfinal against Gabon, Keita scored the winning penalty kick against after Chieck Diabete had scored five minutes from regulation. Diabete helped Mali to its best finish in the AFCON since 1972, when he scored all three goals in the knockout stages: the other two goals came against Ghana in the third-place game.

Mali’s surprising 2-0 victory against Ghana may seem like a real surprise. However, that surprise does not pale in comparison to the odyssey Botswana completed over the past two years.

Prior to the start of qualifying for AFCON 2012, Botswana had won only three away games in AFCON qualifying. However, Botswana began their qualifying campaign with a shocking 1-0 upset at Tunisia, with Jerome Ramatlhakwane scoring the first of his five goals. The nation only scored seven goals in qualifying, but all of Botswana’s eight qualifying game had been close. 

Botswana won four qualifiers by 1-0, the third which came in Chad on March 26, 2011.  When Botswana won in Chad, they qualified for AFCON 2012 faster than any other team, aside from the co-hosts.

Dipsy Selowane scored Botswana’s first goal in a major competition, while Mogakolodi Ngele scored to tie the game against Mali in AFCON. However, Botswana struggled in its debut and lost all three games, being outscored 9-2, six of which came in their second group stage game, despite the fact that Botswana still had a chance to reach the knockout stage.

Prior to AFCON 2012, Mali and Botswana had only met for qualifying for AFCON 1996. Mali defeated Botswana in both previous meetings: 3-1 in Gaborone, Botswana on January 8, 1995 and 4-0 in Bamako, Mali on July 16, 1995.

Since AFCON 2012, Botswana has had mixed results. After a 3-0 victory against Lesotho, Botswana tied Iraq 1-1. Botswana has struggled in World Cup qualifying. Botswana lost to the Central African Republic 2-0 and tied AFCON 2013 host South Africa 1-1. Mali has had mixed results as well. After losing a 2-1 friendly to the Ivory Coast, Mali began World Cup qualifying with a head-scratching 1-0 loss in Benin. Mali would rebound days later with a 2-1 victory over Algeria.

By reaching AFCON 2012, both clubs have had the luxury of a bye for qualifying. Both teams had also met in the same group. Now, which nation will go to AFCON 2013? The answer will come in October.

Algeria vs Libya

Algeria is hoping to return to a major competition. Libya, is hoping to qualify for a competition the country was supposed to host. A North African derby will be reacquainted for a spot at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Since 1980, Algeria had performed well in Africa and sometimes on the world stage. A country remembered for its upset of West Germany at World Cup 1982, Algeria would finish in the top four in five of seven AFCON tournaments from 1980 to 1992, including winning AFCON 1990 as the host nation. 

However, Algeria was disqualified for AFCON 1994, and the country struggled for the next 14 years, culminating in its worst ranking in June 2008.

Few expected Algeria to even qualify for the 2010 World Cup. However, with Madjid Bougherra as captain, Algeria managed to reach AFCON 2010 and the 2010 World Cup, the latter done through a one-game playoff against Egypt. In AFCON 2010, Algeria managed to score only once in the group stage, courtesy of Rafik Helliche against Mali. Strangely enough, that goal would propel Algeria to a fourth place finish. Months later, Algeria fought valiantly in the 2010 World Cup, as the country drew England 0-0 and allowed only two goals, but still finished last. Along with Bougherra, Islam Slimani has provided a scoring option, as he has scored four goals in his first four games.

Algeria has reached this round courtesy of two impressive victories against Gambia: a 2-1 come-from-behind victory in Bakau, Gambia and a 4-1 rout at home in Blida, with Slimani scoring in the second leg. Prior to that, in the first leg, Algeria tied Gambia through a goal by Anter Yahia, the same player who scored the decisive goal against Egypt in the one-game playoff to send Algeria to the 2010 World Cup.

Libya is hoping to reach just its fourth ever AFCON tournament, but the first time in consecutive tournaments. This situation would have already happened, as Libya was originally scheduled to host AFCON 2013. However, due to the Libyan Civil War, South Africa replaced Libya as hosts on September 28, 2011. Libya was stripped of its automatic spot for AFCON 2013.

However, despite civil war, Libya managed to qualify as one of the two best runners-up in qualifying for AFCON 2012. Although eliminated in the group stage, Libya won its first ever AFCON game outside of home soil against Senegal. That victory has helped Libya to its best ranking ever. With many of those players still on the team, Libya is looking to emulate the glory days of the 1980s. In that period, Libya hosted AFCON 1982 and finished as runners-up. The country also missed out on qualifying for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, losing to Morocco 3-1 on aggregate.

Despite being the only North African nation to have not grace a FIFA World Cup, Libya has started strong. Following the 2-1 victory over Senegal in AFCON 2012, Libya sits atop its group after two games in FIFA World Cup qualifying.  A dramatic 2-1 home win against Cameroon came days after Libya tied in Togo 1-1. After AFCON 2012 qualifying, Algeria has managed victories in friendlies against Tunisia and Niger. Algeria began World Cup qualifying with a 4-0 rout at home against Rwanda, but felt 2-1 to Mali in a game played in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Which North African nation will survive this derby and qualify for AFCON 2013? The answer will come this October.

Guinea vs Niger

Niger was the biggest surprise to have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, knocking out South Africa and Egypt in the process. Now, the country looks to deal another knockout punch to Guinea, with a ticket to AFCON 2013 at stake.

Niger has often been known as an African nation that although they have hung in with some of the toughest teams in Africa, Niger never put a string of results to make something. The country’s best chance to qualify for a major came for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, when Niger was one of the last eight teams in contention.

However, when the country won all three home games and lost all three road games in AFCON 2012 qualifying, Niger emulated the same feat they did in AFCON 2004 qualifying. Only unlike the 2004 campaign, Niger was the only team in their qualifying group to win all three games at home, despite only scoring six goals in qualifying. Those home victories were enough for Niger to advance.

The first goal Niger scored in qualifying sent shock waves throughout Africa: at home against Egypt, winners of three consecutive AFCON titles Moussa Maazou scored to help Niger defeat Egypt. William Tonji N’Gounou made history at AFCON 2012 for Niger: his first international goal was also Niger’s first ever AFCON goal. Still, despite a valiant effort, Niger finished bottom of the group without a point.

Guinea, on the other hand, endured a shocking exit at AFCON 2012. Guinea reached AFCON 2012 with a multitude of players scoring. Among those who found the net were Balde and Ibrahima Traore: the latter scored the tying goal against Nigeria to send Guinea to AFCON 2012 at Nigeria’s expense. In the tournament, Guinea scored seven goals in the group stage: six came against Botswana, which were most in its group. Despite two goals each from Abdul Camara and Sadio Diallo in the group stage, Guinea failed to reach the quarterfinals.

Currently the most capped player on Guinea’s roster, Bobo Balde helped Guinea reach the AFCON quarterfinals in 2004, 2006 and 2008. That was the first knockout stage appenace for Guinea since 1976, impressive considering that Guinea was at one point barred from qualifying for major tournaments.

Captain Pascal Feindouno is Guinea’s active leader in goals with 21. As a member of the national team since 1999, Feindouno helped Guinea reach the knockout stages three times.

Guinea and Niger met in qualifying for AFCON 1976 and 2004. Guinea won both qualifiers against Niger in the 1976 qualifying phase, while each team won at home in qualifying for 2004. Niger also won a friendly against Guinea 3-1 in 1994.

Following AFCON 2012, Niger has lost against Egypt and Algeria 1-0 and 3-0, respectively. In World Cup qualifying, Niger held one of its group stage opponents Gabon to a scoreless draw and lost in Congo 1-0.  Guinea, on the other hand, held the Ivory Coast to a scoreless draw and lost to Cameroon 2-1. Guinea began World Cup qualifying winning in Zimbabwe 2-1, but lost at home to Egypt 3-2 days later.

In qualifying for AFCON 2004, Guinea edged Niger for a spot in the group stage. Will Guinea edge Niger again, or can Niger pull off another shock to reach AFCON 2013? The answer will come this October.

Burkina Faso vs Central African Republic

Ranked as low as 202 on the FIFA World Ranking, the rise of football in the Central African Republic can be summed up in one word: meteoric. Now, the country is on the cusp of making history, as Burkina Faso stand in the way of a historic berth at the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Prior to qualifying for AFCON 2012, the Central African Republic had not played a game since defeated Chad in 2007. Even more startling, Central African Republic was considered one of Africa’s weakest teams. More often, the country either withdrew or was disqualified from major tournaments.  

However, Central African Republic made waves in the ranking. Since July 2010,  despite only scoring five goals in six AFCON 2012 qualifiers, Central African Republic managed to hold group winners Morocco to two scoreless draws. Charlie Dopekoulouyen and Hilaire Momi scored twice in a shocking 2-0 home victory against Algeria. The duo would repeat the feat in a dramatic 2-1 victory at home against Tanzania. Despite missing out on AFCON 2012, the country finished second in the group, ahead of Algeria and Tanzania.

Burkina Faso, on the other hand, is looking to reach AFCON for the 8^th time since 1996. Since then, Burkina Faso has only reached the knockout stages once, finishing fourth at AFCON 1998, the last tournament Burkina Faso hosted. The country disappointed at AFCON 2012, losing all three group stages games.

Their main players have contributed for Burkina Faso, even as youth players. None provided more experience than Saidou Panandetiguiri, who played in both FIFA Under-17 and Under-21 World Cups. In 2001, Panandetiguiri was a member of Burkina Faso’s U-17 team that defeated Spain in the group stage, en route to a third-place finish in the tournament, as well as Round of 16 finish in the 2003 U-21 World Cup.

Moumouni Dagano helped Burkina Faso reach AFCON 2010 (which doubled with that of the World Cup). Dagano led all scorers in African qualifying with 12 goals, including a hat trick in Seychelles o go along with goals against Malawi, Burundi and Guinea to reach AFCON 2010. Now, Dagano and veterans are hoping the experience will help Burkina Faso reach AFCON 2013.

The teams have last met in qualifying for AFCON 2004. Burkina Faso won both games en route to reaching AFCON 2004, winning at home 2-1 on October 13, 2002 and on the road 3-0 on July 6, 2003. Both nations were scheduled to have met in the first round in qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, but Central African Republic withdrew from the tournament.

Following its three losses at AFCON 2012, Burkina Faso lost at Morocco 2-0 and tied Benin in Ouagadougou 2-2. The country began its World Cup qualifying campaign with a scoreless draw at home to Congo and a 1-0 loss in Gabon. After losing its last AFCON 2012 qualifier to Algeria, Central African Republic was given a daunting task: defeat Egypt. However, Central African Republic scored a shocking 3-2 victory in Egypt. Two weeks later, Central African Republic sent Egypt out crashing with a 1-1 draw.

Central African Republic may have withdrawn previous meetings. But with history to be made, will Central African Republic upset the odds again? The answer will come in October.

Zimbabwe vs Angola

Angola first qualified for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1996, the same year South Africa last hosted the tournament. Now, Angola is hoping to return to South African for AFCON 2013, having to go in a two-legged playoff against Zimbabwe.

Beginning in 2005, Angola has risen in the ranks of African football, with qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup as its most signature moment. For its success, however, Angola has only reached the quarterfinals twice, in 2008 and as hosts in 2010. On two occasions (2006 and 2012), Angola missed out on the knockout stages by goal differential.

A member of two previous AFCON campaigns, Manucho helped Angola reach AFCON 2012, having scored four of the team’s seven goals in qualifying. None was more important than his fourth goal in qualifying: in Guinea-Bissau, Manucho helped Angola overtake Uganda on the final day of qualifying to win the group and a spot at AFCON 2012.

Angola has several players still from the 2006 World Cup team on the roster, as four players has appeared for Angola on more than 60 occasions, including Flavio and Gilberto.

While Angola has become one on the top teams in Africa, Zimbabwe was once a top team of African in the 1990s.

Despite having reached as high as 40 in the FIFA World Rankings, Zimbabwe has only qualified for the 2004 and 2006 editions of AFCON. Yet, Zimbabwe won the group stage finales on both occasions, and amember of both teams, Esrom Nyandoro, who scored the goal of the tournament against Cameroon, is looking to revive Zimbabwe’s football fortunes. Despite having participated in four World Cup qualifying campaigns, Nyandoro has seen Zimbabwe dip to its lowest ranking ever at 131. However, since two years ago, Zimbabwe began showing improvement, even though the country finished third in its group in qualifying for AFCON 2012.

Keith “Knowledge” Musona led the team in scoring with four of the team’s seven goals, two of which came in a shocking 2-1 victory against Mali in 

AFCON 2012 qualifying, the second of which came in the 90^th minute.

Musona scored more crucial goals as of late, particularly in their most recent qualifiers for AFCON 2013. Despite losing 2-1 to Burundi on a stoppage time goal, Zimbabwe got a valuable away goal courtesy of Musona. Four months later, in the second leg, Musona would score again, as his goal helped Zimbabwe win 1-0, but more importantly win by virtue of away goals.

In addition to eight friendlies, Angola and Zimbabwe have met each other in qualifying for the 1994, 1998 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, as well as qualifying for AFCON 1998. When Zimbabwe defeated Angola 2-0 in March 2005, Zimbabwe became “Unofficial World Football Champions.” Yet, Angola stilled qualified for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

All 16 previous matches had been decided by no more than two goals. The last time these two nations met in AFCON qualifying, Angola defeated Zimbabwe to reach AFCON 1998.  Who will survive this match and reach AFCON 2013? The answer will come this October.

Tunisia vs Sierra Leone

On July 31, 2011, Tunisia and Sierra Leone were drawn to play in qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Less than a year later, Tunisia and Sierra Leone will meet, but this time, it is not for World Cup qualifying, but rather for a spot at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2013.

In a span of nine months, beginning this September, Tunisia and Sierra Leone will play four meaningful qualifying matches.

Having played at World Cup 1998, as well as qualifiers for the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup, Sami Trabelsi is Tunisia’s manager, and will hope to improve. Since winning on home soil in 2004, Tunisia has only reached the quarterfinals on three of the previous four AFCON tournaments.

Yet, Tunisia has one of its best scorers in history. Having played in 4 AFCON tournaments and the 2005 FIFA Confederation Cup, Isaam Jemaa led scoring in both qualifying campaigns for the 2008 and 2012 editions, with four and six goals respectively. In the latter campaign, Jemaa scored a hat-trick against Chad , but it would be Walid Hicheri and Saber Khelifa who scored crucial goals to help Tunisia overtake Malawi on the last day of qualifying in their group to reach AFCON 2012.

History could help Tunisia should the country play in South Africa: the last time AFCON was held in South Africa, Tunisia reached the final, only to lose to the hosts.

South Africa was also the host country that Sierra Leon last reached an AFCON tournament. Although not a host venue this time for the upcoming AFCON tournament, Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium was the site of Sierra Leone’s last AFCON victory. It was Sierra Leone’s first group stage game of the tournament, which came against Burkina Faso. Mohamed Kallon, a player who would captain in Sierra Leone’s subsequent World Cup qualifiers, scored the winning goal late in the game to win against Burkina Faso 2-1. Yet, Sierra Leone would lose its next two games to Algeria and Zambia, and were eliminated from AFCON 1996.

Sierra Leone best chance to return to AFCON came in qualifying for the 2012 edition. Despite being draw against Egypt, Niger and South Africa, Sierra Leone nearly snatched a spot at AFCON 2012. In their penultimate qualifier, Sierra Leone won against Egypt on a late goal by Mohamed Bangura. A victory in Nelspruit, South Africa would have given Sierra Leone a spot at AFCON 2012. However, that game went scoreless, and Niger would advance despite losing in Egypt 3-0.

When AFCON 2013 commenced, Sierra Leone survived a shaky two-legged playoff against Sao Tome e Principe. After losing 2-1 in the first leg, Sierra Leone fell behind quickly, but stormed back to win 4-2.

In addition to their earlier qualifiers, Sierra Leone had lost two friendlies to Iraq and Jordan. However, Sierra Leone began World Cup qualifying with a 2-1 victory over Cape Verde Islands. Days later, Sierra Leone tied Equatorial Guinea 2-2, but sit second behind Tunisia in qualifying. Tunisia won its first two games: the country came from behind to be Equatorial Guinea 3-1, followed by a 2-1 against the Cape Verde Islands to sit atop its group.

Who will get the upper hand in the first two meeting? Whoever qualifies from this matchup, can they have the same magic that they previous had in South Africa? The answer will come this October.

Ivory Coast vs Senegal

Eleven years ago, Senegal had to go through the toughest qualifying group to reach its first FIFA World Cup. Now, Senegal has to go through the toughest opponent to reach the African Cup of Nations (AFCON): Ivory Coast, the runners-up from AFCON 2012.

2002 almost seems like a distant memory for Senegal. In that year, not only did Senegal reach the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup, but months prior to that event, Senegal reached the AFCON final. Ten years have passed, and Senegal is looking to recapture the glorious year of 2002.

Even with some of the players from that World Cup team, such as Souleymane Camara, Senegal has struggled on the football. The country finished fourth at AFCON 2006, despite losing two of their three group stage games. Senegal only advanced by virtue of tiebreakers against both Ghana and Zimbabwe.

Senegal exited AFCON 2012 on the back of three 2-1 losses against Zambia, Equatorial Guinea and Libya to finish last in Group A.  Despite the setback, some of Senegal’s players would play at the Olympics in Great Britain, for while Senegal reached the quarterfinals.

Key players hoping to shine include Moussa Konate, who finished second in scoring with five goals, Souleymane Camara, one of the members of Senegal’s squad that reached the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Cup, and Mamadou Niang, who led Senegal in scoring in qualifying for AFCON 2012 with five goals.

The Ivory Coast, on the other hand, is one of the few favorites to reach AFCON 2013 and win its second AFCON title. Despite winning 13 of 21 AFCON games since 2006, the Ivory Coast has not won AFCON since 1992. Twice since 2006 did the Ivory Coast reach the final, and twice the Ivory Coast lost on penalty kick. The last AFCON tournament was especially gut-wrenching for the Ivory Coast: its goalkeepers Boubacar Barry and Daniel Yeboah did not allow a goal at all during this past AFCON.

The first player that often comes to mind regarding the Ivory Coast is Didier Drogba. Having recently signed for Shanghai Shenhua in China, Drogba leads all active Ivorian scorers with 55 goals, while Didier Zokora has appeared in 103 matches. These two players have helped the Ivory Coast not only reach its first World Cup in 2006, but also helped the Ivory Coast to be the number one ranked African team in the FIFA World Rankings, in a country that was one in a bitter civil war.

In qualifying for AFCON 2012, Drogba scored four goals and Gervinho scored another three goals as the Ivory Coast won all six of its qualifying matches. Gervinho was also the player who missed what would be a costly penalty in the final that allowed Zambia to win the shootout and deny the Ivory Coast another AFCON title by virtue of a shootout.

On the road to Brazil 2014, the Ivory Coast managed a 2-0 victory against Tanzania and tied Morocco 2-2. More recently, the Ivory Coast tied 1-1 with Russia. Senegal, on the other hand, won 3-1 at home against Liberia, followed by a 1-1 tie against Uganda.

One of these strong African nations will suffer the agony of not reaching AFCON 2013. Who will survive this heavyweight bout? The answer will come this October.

Morocco vs Mozambique

Morocco was one of four teams to have been eliminated after playing two games at the past Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This time, Morocco hopes it is not two-and-done again, as it must face Mozambique, with a spot at AFCON 2013 at stake for the winner.

Morocco’s history in football has endured a rollercoaster since the 1970s. The country won AFCON 1976, and ten years later, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup. In the years following World Cup 1986, Morocco would finish second in AFCON 2004, and consecutive fourth-place finishes in AFCON 1986 and 1988.

But for its successes, Morocco has endured the agony of heartbreak. In 1998, Morocco nearly reached the Round of 16 in World Cup 1998, only for Norway to beat Brazil and pip Morocco. After losing the final to Tunisia in AFCON 2004, Morocco finished second in its qualifying group to Tunisia to miss out on the 2006 FIFA World Cup, despite being the only African nation to have not lost a game in the final round of qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Morocco started strong in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup (doubled with that of AFCON 2010), but fell completely flat in a group containing Cameroon, Gabon and Togo. Morocco finished last, and failed to qualify for AFCON 2010.

Despite some shaky performances, Houssine Kharja and Marouane Chamakh helped propel Morocco to a spot at AFCON 2012, winning their final qualifying game against Tanzania 3-0 on the final day of qualifying. However, in AFCON 2012, Morocco would be heartbroken yet again, particularly in their second group stage match against Gabon. Kharja had scored in stoppage goal for what looked like a valuable point, only for Gabon to score in the dying seconds to eliminate Morocco.

Since reaching its first AFCON in 1986, Mozambique has endured a roller-coaster ride in its football history. The country did make some progress in their last World Cup qualifying campaign: the most notable result came in their last group stage game in qualifying, when they defeated Tunisia 1-0 victory to Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup at Tunisia’s expense.

Reaching this part and qualifying for AFCON 2010 was amazing, given that Mozambique had a horrible start to qualifying and were the last of the eight second best runners-up in World Cup qualifying.

With the country’s most prolific scorer retired, Mozambique struggled in qualifying for AFCON 2012, as the country managed to score all four goals against Comoros. Mozambique finished behind Libya and eventual champions Zambia.

Domingues, helped Mozambique reach this matchup as winning penalty kick in the shootout against Tanzania after both legs were tied 1-1, with Mozambique winning the shootout at home 8-7.

Morocco and Mozambique had only met once prior, and that came at AFCON 1998 in the group stage. Morocco defeated Mozambique 2-0 in Burkina Faso, eliminating Mozambique from AFCON 1998.

Can Morocco reach AFCON 2013 and make a statement to reach a final for the first time since 2004? The answer will come this October.

Ghana vs Malawi

Malawi has been on a mission since October last year to reach the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). Now, the country must get ready for one of Africa’s heavyweights, Ghana, in the biggest two-legged playoff Malawi has even participated.

Last October, Malawi were so close to clinching an automatic spot at AFCON 2012, leading Chad 2-1 in N’Djamena, Chad. Chad would score a stoppage time goal to allow Tunisia to qualify at Malawi’s expense. It was a bitter blow for Malawi: the country went unbeaten in qualifying, but managed to win only twice in eight qualifiers.

To reach this phase of qualifying for AFCON 2013, Malawi defeated Chad, the same team that knockout out Malawi just months ago. Yet, despite losing 3-2 in Chad, Malawi would win the second leg 2-0 to advance. Many of the players on Malawi’s team will look to make it to another AFCON tournament.

Several of these players helped Malawi had reached AFCON 2010, with wins at home against Egypt and Guinea. That helped Malawi reach AFCON 2010, and when the country arrived, Malawi arrived with a statement: they thrashed Algeria 3-0.  Just three years earlier, Malawi was at its lowest ranking ever.

Whereas Malawi is looking to make a name in African football, Ghana is working hard to be considered the best team in Africa.

Despite reaching the knockout stages of the World Cups twice, Ghana is looking to win its first AFCON title since 1982. Although Ghana reached the semifinals in this AFCON, Ghana finished in fourth place.

Many of Ghana’s players who played in the two World Cups still play for the team. Among those include Prince Tagoe, who led Ghana in scoring with three goals on the road to AFCON 2012, Andre Ayew, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan, are still playing for the national team.

Gyan has been instrumental in helping Ghana write a new chapter in Ghana’s football history, even though Gyan has been remembered for not one or two, but three crucial penalty-kicks.

Ghana and Malawi had previously met in the group stage finale in Bouake, Ivory Coast at AFCON 1984, the first tournament appearance for Malawi. Going into that match, Malawi still had a shot at a semifinal berth, while Ghana was already eliminated after two matches. Still, Ghana left the tournament on a high with a 1-0 victory and eliminated Malawi from the tournament. The other two meetings have been friendlies: a 1-0 victory for Ghana in 1978 and a scoreless draw in 2010.

After finishing fourth at AFCON 2012, Ghana played to a 1-1 draw against Chile. Ghana did start World Cup qualifying with a 7-0 demolition of Lesotho, but days later would lose 1-0 at Zambia, the team that defeated Ghana in the semifinals. Malawi, on the other hand, has two draws in World Cup qualifying: a scoreless draw in Kenya and a dramatic 1-1 draw at home against Nigeria. In friendlies, Malawi defeated Zambia 1-0 and weeks earlier had played to a scoreless draw against Tanzania.

Can Ghana make amends and reach another AFCON tournament, or will Malawi send shock waves throughout Africa? The answer will come this October.

Cameroon vs Cape Verde Islands

Prior to its first meeting with Cameroon, the Cape Verde Islands were hardly a force in African football. Now, after climbing up the ranks in the world ranking, the Cape Verde Islands look to deny Cameroon a spot at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Cape Verde Islands made news prior to the 2010 FIF A World Cup: often regarded as one of the minnows in African football, the country had its finest hour came in Portugal: ranked 117^th in the world at the time, Cape Verde Islands held a full-strength Portugal squad, ranked third, to a scoreless draw.

However, with a variety of timely goals and good goalkeeping, that scoreless draw would be no fluke. Cape Verde Islands began AFCON 2012 qualifying with a stunning 1-0 upset of Mali, with the only goal scored by Fernando Varela. Heldon Ramos led the team in scoring, as his two goals came at home against Liberia in the third qualifier. Although the country won two of its first three qualifiers, the Cape Verde Islands suffered a setback as Mali avenged its loss earlier with a 3-0 victory. Ultimately, despite being tied with Sudan for one of the runners-up spots, the Cape Verde Islands were eliminated by virtue of goal differential.

Cameroon is looking to return back to the tournament after failing to reach an AFCON tournament for the first time since 1994. In qualifying for AFCON 2012, Cameroon’s all-time scorer Samuel Eto’o netted four goals and another three came from Eric Choupo-Moting. Yet, Cameroon finished second behind Senegal. Cameroon scored 12 goals in AFCON 2012 qualifying, but none against Senegal: the main different was a late winner for Senegal when both countries met first in March 2011.

Cameroon is looking to return back to its finest period in its football history: between 1982 and 2002. During that period, Cameroon have won four AFCON titles, reached the quarterfinals of the 1990 FIFA World Cup, and participated in two FIFA Confederation Cups, the second most remember for the death of one of its players Marc Vivien-Foe.

Cameroon and Cape Verde Islands have only met in qualifying for the 2010 FIFA World Cup (doubled with that of AFCON 2010). In the second round of qualifying for the tournaments, Cameroon won both meetings: 2-0 at home and a 2-1 come from behind victory on the road. Those results would ultimately help Cameroon reach AFCON 2010, as well as its sixth FIFA World Cup.

Both teams played in first round playoffs. Cape Verde Islands made light work Madagascar, winning 4-0 and 3-1 away and home, respectively. Meanwhile, Cameroon had difficulty scoring against Guinea-Bissau, winning two 1-0 games with two late goals: the first from Choupo-Moting and the second from Benjamin Moukandjo.

Yet, the Cape Verde Islands are in danger of missing out on the FIFA World Cup, after two 2-1 losses in in Sierra Leone and at home against Tunisia. Cameroon, on the other hand, played two friendlies (2-1 loss against, followed by a victory against Guinea by the same score) and two World Cup qualifiers: a 1-0 victory against Congo DR and a 2-1 loss against Libya.

Can Cameroon recover from its hiccups, defeat the Cape Verde Islands and return back to Africa’s premier competition? The answer will come this October.

Zambia vs Uganda

This past year, Zambia soared to new heights by winning the 2012 African Cup of Nations. Now, the defense of the championship begins for Zambia, but Uganda is looking to end a long drought as well.

Having not reached AFCON since 1978, Uganda began qualifying for AFCON 2010 with a two-game ultimatum issued to its manager Bobby Williamson: perform well or be fired. While Uganda lost to Benin 3-1, the country rebounded to win the next qualifier 2-1 to Benin. Still, Uganda missed AFCON 2010, but the performances were good enough for Williamson to keep his job as manager. His guidance would help several players emerge on the national team, as well as orchestrating an upset against Angola in an AFCON 2012 qualifier to help Uganda reach its highest ever ranking.

Geoffrey Massa is the active leader in goals scored, as he was one of five players to score for Uganda in AFCON 2012 qualifiers. After three wins and a draw, Uganda was on the cusp of reaching AFCON 2012. But after a loss in Angola, Uganda played to a disappointing scoreless draw against Kenya.  The draw, coupled with Angola’s 2-0 victory in Guinea-Bissau, eliminated Uganda from contention. However, Williamson still remains the manager

Despite losing 3-1 in Congo, Uganda made a statement and thrashed Congo in Kampala 4-0. Massa was one of four players to score in the second leg against Congo.

Zambia’s victory in AFCON 2012 was poignant: the final was played in the same city where in 1993, a fatal plane claimed all 30 people on board. Yet, despite that tragedy, months following the tragedy, Zambia reached its first AFCON final, losing to Nigeria 2-1.

Zambia reached AFCON 2012 thanks in large part to Christopher Katongo and Emmanuel Mayuka. Both players each scored three goals in qualifying for AFCON 2012, and both players would repeat that feat as well. Each player scored in critical moments on the road to the 2012 AFCON final. Katongo scored in the group stage against Equatorial Guinea to win Group A, while Mayuka scored against Ghana in the semifinals to send Zambia to only its second final in the country’s history.

Zambia also won AFCON 2012 on the strength of its goalkeeper. A member of South Africa’s Free States Stars, Kennedy Mweene was voted the goalkeeper of AFCON 2012, largely for his part in the final against the Ivory Coast. 

Mweene not only convert his shot, but also stopped Kolo Toure in the penalty shootout, allowing Stoppila Sunzu to score the winning goal in the shootout.

Following AFCON 2012, Zambia began qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup against two teams the country defeat to reach the final: Sudan and Ghana. Zambia was able to repeat the same 1-0 score line against Ghana, but days earlier lost 2-0 in Sudan. Zambia has also lost two friendlies against Malawi and South Korea, as well as a scoreless draw against Angola.  Uganda, on the other hand, notched two dramatic 1-1 draws in qualifying in Angola and at home against Senegal. A month after the qualifiers, Uganda played in an historic friendly: on July 10, in the first ever match for South Sudan, Uganda managed a 2-2 draw in Juba.  

Will Zambia be able to defend the AFCON title it deserved? Will Uganda be able to end a lengthy drought of not reaching an AFCON tournament? The answer will come this October.