World-2022: in Africa, Mali curls Rwanda and qualifies for the 3rd round

Published on : 11/12/2021 – 10:16

Final straight in Africa for the race to Qatar. The fifth day of the zone’s playoffs began on Thursday, November 11, and the Aigles du Mali won their ticket for the third round.

As a reminder, the first in each of the qualifying groups are qualified for a third round where, in a two-way confrontation, they will face another winner for a place in the finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Group E: Mali wins its qualification

The stars have aligned for Mali. Traveling to Kigali, the Eagles beat Rwanda heavily 3-0 thanks to goals from Djenepo, Koné and Coulibaly.

Uganda, which has so far been on the heels of Mali, at the same time drew against Kenya (1-1). A poor performance which therefore opened the doors of the third round to the Malians. The men of coach Mohamed Magassouba remain unbeaten for the moment in this campaign.

Group G: Ghana makes it harder, South Africa in pole position

Bad operation for Ghana. While they thought they had done the hard part in opening the scoring against Ethiopia thanks to André Ayew, the “Black Stars” were caught late in the game. A draw which is expensive since it relegates them to three points of the South Africans.

They are in an armchair before approaching the last day. With a narrow home victory over Zimbabwe, they firmly established themselves in first place in the group, synonymous with a ticket to the third round. It remains to ensure at least a draw, or even a very short defeat, against Ghana on Sunday.

For Ghana to recover first place in extremis, the “Black Stars” will have to win at home and erase a negative goal difference.

Group H: Senegal avoids a first defeat but loses Mané

Liverpool striker Sadio Mané came out injured Thursday with Senegal against Togo (1-1). At the 27^e minute of play, the 29-year-old striker received a blow to the ribs or the hip, after a collision with a Togolese defender, forcing him to give up his place prematurely.

His selection, victorious in Group H, has already secured his place to play the eliminatory stages of the Africa zone, which will determine the five qualified for the World Cup in Qatar.

Group J: final in sight for Benin against DR Congo

In Tanzania, DR Congo did the job. Cédric Bakambu’s teammates crushed their hosts with goals from Kakuta, Fasika and Malango. A performance that allowed them to put pressure on Benin who played a few hours later.

But Dussuyer’s men did not allow themselves to be reached. Against Madagascar, Benin did not tremble and offered a convincing success that leaves them at the top of Group J before the last day. Sunday November 14, there will therefore be a final with the DR Congo-Benin match in Kinshasa. In the event of a draw, the Squirrels will keep their first place and qualify.