The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier football tournament in Africa and the fourth round of qualifiers has seen Nigeria and South Africa face some tough challenges. Both teams have had to battle against some of the continent’s top teams in order to secure a place in the tournament.
Nigeria, who are currently ranked as the second best team in Africa, have been drawn in a group with Egypt, Tunisia and Libya. This is a tough group for the Super Eagles as Egypt are the reigning African champions and Tunisia and Libya are both strong sides. Nigeria have already played two matches in this round, drawing 1-1 with Egypt and beating Libya 3-2. They will now face Tunisia in their final match of the group stage and will need to win in order to qualify for the tournament.
South Africa, who are currently ranked as the sixth best team in Africa, have been drawn in a group with Ghana, Sudan and Sao Tome and Principe. This is also a difficult group for Bafana Bafana as Ghana are one of the strongest teams on the continent and Sudan and Sao Tome and Principe are both experienced sides. South Africa have already played two matches in this round, drawing 1-1 with Ghana and beating Sudan 2-1. They will now face Sao Tome and Principe in their final match of the group stage and will need to win in order to qualify for the tournament.
Both Nigeria and South Africa have faced some tough challenges in the fourth round of AFCON qualifiers but they will be hoping to secure a place in the tournament. The Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana will need to win their final matches in order to progress to the tournament and they will be hoping to make their mark on the African footballing stage.
