- The final group stage matches of the Africa Cup of Nations will take place this week
- Both Egypt and Cameroon are in danger of being kicked out of the AFCON
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe should target Thomas Tuchel, he has unfinished business – Everything begins
The final group stage matches of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations are set to take place this week.
After an action-packed opening two games, there is still plenty to be decided – with Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Cameroon’s Andre Onana in danger of withdrawing from the tournament.
The top two teams from each group will qualify automatically, while the four best third-placed nations will also secure their place in the last 16.
Senegal are the current holders of the competition after defeating seven-time winners Egypt in 2021.
And so Mail Sport breaks down the Africa Cup of Nations and when Premier League players could return.
Group A
Three teams emerged as contenders for the two automatic spots for the next round of the tournament.
Hosts Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea will battle it out for a place in the next round.
Equatorial Guinea top the group and are unbeaten in their first two games – with one win and one draw.
Second-placed Nigeria also have four points after their big win over Ivory Coast in matchday two of the tournament. A draw in their last game against Guinea Bissau will secure their place in the last 16. However, if the Super Eagles win their last game and Equatorial Guinea fail to beat Ivory Coast, Jose Peseiro’s side will be top of Group A.
A draw against Ivory Coast will secure Equatorial Guinea’s place in the knockout stages. A win will see them top of the group, however, if both teams finish level on points, the team with the greater goal difference will finish top.
Hosts Ivory Coast will finish third if they draw with Equatorial Guinea on four points. They will qualify as one of the best teams in third place – but ideally need all three points tonight.
Should Ivory Coast fail to qualify, Nottingham Forest will certainly benefit more from their exit. Nuno Espirito Santos currently has three players (Serge Aurier, Willy Boly and Ibrahim Sangare) away on AFCON duty for the hosts.
The last games of Group A are as follows:
- Equatorial Guinea vs Ivory Coast (22 January) – 17:00
- Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria (January 22) – 17:00
Group B
With two wins from their opening two matches, Cape Verde secured their place in the knockout round.
The race for the final automatic place will be of interest to many fans, including Liverpool supporters.
Mohamed Salah plans to return to Merseyside for treatment by Liverpool’s club doctors after an injury sustained playing for Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations – but could feature in the tournament in Ivory Coast if he recovers in time – with the forward set to lost two matches
Salah limped off in the first half of the Pharaohs’ 2-2 draw with Ghana on Thursday night and, despite initially straining his hamstring, the Egyptian FA confirmed the 31-year-old had suffered a hamstring strain.
It comes as a huge blow for Egypt – who are second in Group B – having drawn their opening two games.
Egypt’s victory over Cape Verde will secure their place in the next phase. A draw might be enough – but it would take Mozambique v Ghana to also end in a draw.
If Ghana fail to beat Mozambique and Egypt beat Cape Verde, Mohamed Kudus, Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, Antoine Semenyo and Tariq Lamptey will return to England immediately.
The last games of Group B are as follows:
- Cape Verde vs Egypt – January 22 – 8pm
- Mozambique vs Ghana – January 22 – 8pm
Group C
After their victory over Cameroon, Senegal sealed their place in the last 16. They are currently top of Group C with two wins from as many matches.
It means Chelsea and Tottenham will be without Nicolas Jackson and Pape Matar Sarr respectively for a little while longer, while Premier League stars Idrissa Gueye, Fode Ballo-Toure, Moussa Niakhate and Cheikhou Kouyate will still feature for the current holders of the organization. .
Guinea are currently second in the table, three points above Cameroon. Senegal only need a draw against Guinea to secure top spot, while the result will also favor Guinea – who will seal second place.
They could top the group if they beat Senegal – but Cameroon are in real trouble. With just one point so far, they will need to beat Gambia and hope Senegal beat Guinea to qualify for second place.
It means Andre Onana could return to Manchester United this week – having arrived late to the tournament.
The final matches of Group C are as follows:
- Gambia v Cameroon (January 23) – 17:00
- Guinea vs Senegal (January 23) – 17:00
Group D
Angola and Burkina Faso are currently tied on four points, while Algeria are in third place with two points to their name.
The winner of the match between Angola and Burkina Faso – will secure first place. A defeat for either side could see them finish third – provided Algeria win their game against.
It means Wolves star defender Ryan Ait-Nouri and Sheffield United’s Yasser LaRucci will remain in the competition for the time being.
Whether Angola or Burkina Faso finish third with four points should be enough to see them finish as one of the best third-placed teams.
Mauritania cannot progress to the two automatic places having lost their opening two matches – but a win over Algeria could see them qualify as one of the best teams in third place.
The final matches of Group D are as follows:
- Mauritania vs Algeria (January 23) – 20:00
- Angola vs Burkina Faso (January 23) – 20:00
Group E
Things look very tight in Group D, with Mali topping the group with four points after a 1-1 draw with Tunisia in Matchday 2.
South Africa, currently in second place, secured their first group win in their last game against Namibia
Provided they win their final group stage match against Tunisia, Bafana Bafana will qualify for the Round of 16.
Mali need just a point against Namibia to book their place in the knockout stages. A win against the Brave Warriors will see them finish as Group E winners.
A win for Namibia against Mali will be enough to reach the next stage. A draw could see them qualify – provided Tunisia beat South Africa in the other game.
If Bafana Bafana beat Tunisia in the group final, it will guarantee them an automatic place in the last 16.
A draw will do for them – as long as Namibia can’t beat Mali.
With Mali on the brink of securing their place in the knockouts, it means Tottenham will be without Yves Bissouma in midfield for the time being.
The final matches of the 5th group are as follows:
- Namibia vs Mali (January 24)
- South Africa v Tunisia (January 24)
Group F
After a 1-1 draw against DR Congo, Walid Regraghi’s side are still top of Group F with four points, two ahead of DR Congo.
Zambia are also on two points after their recent draw with Tanzania.
Morocco will advance to the next round if they avoid defeat by Zambia, who need a win to progress to the last 16.
Tanzania can only reach the knockouts if they beat DR Congo on the same day – and Morocco beat Zambia.
A win for DR Congo against Zambia will see them through to the next round.
Premier League stars Nayef Aguerd and Sofyan Amrabat currently represent Morocco, while Brentford talisman Yoane Wissa is with DR Congo. All three players are likely to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations knockouts.
The final matches of Group F are as follows:
- Zambia vs Morocco (January 24)
- Tanzania vs DR Congo (January 24)