Five Nations Secure Spots in Africa Cup of Nations Finals

The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the most prestigious football tournaments on the continent, showcasing the best teams and players from across Africa. As the excitement builds for the next finals, five more countries have secured their spots, adding to the anticipation of fans and players alike. Gabon, Nigeria, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda have all booked their places, with some teams achieving this feat without even stepping onto the pitch in the latest round of qualifiers.

Tunisia made headlines with a dramatic stoppage-time goal from Ali El Abdi, who scored with a diving header to clinch a 3-2 victory over Madagascar in Pretoria. This win not only secured their position in the top two of Group A but also extended their remarkable streak to 18 consecutive appearances in the finals, which will be held in Morocco next year.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's journey to the finals was confirmed when Libya's 1-0 victory over Rwanda guaranteed them a top-two finish in Group D. However, the Super Eagles faced a tough match against Benin, ending in a 1-1 draw. A goal from Benin's Mohamed Tijani put them in a strong position, but Nigeria's Victor Osimhen managed to equalize late in the game, saving his team from a potential upset.

Gabon also celebrated their qualification from Group B after their closest rivals, the Central African Republic, lost 1-0 to Lesotho. This result ensured Gabon a top-two finish with two matches still remaining in the qualifiers. South Africa and Uganda advanced without playing, as they were assured of their positions in Group K after Congo's defeat to South Sudan, marking a historic moment for the newest nation in Africa.

On the other hand, Ghana's hopes of extending their streak of ten consecutive finals appearances were kept alive, albeit precariously. Sudan's heavy 4-0 loss to Niger provided a glimmer of hope for Ghana, who must now win their last two matches against Angola and Niger to have any chance of qualifying. However, if Sudan manages to secure a point in their final game against Angola, Ghana's journey could come to an end.

Algeria, a strong contender, faced a setback as they dropped their first points of the campaign in a goalless draw against Equatorial Guinea. Both teams had already secured their places in the tournament, which is set to take place from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. The tournament format allows two teams to advance from each of the 12 qualifying groups, and several teams, including Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, the Ivory Coast, Morocco, and Senegal, had already booked their spots before Thursday's matches.

As the qualifiers continue, with ten matches scheduled across the continent, the excitement is palpable. Teams like Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are hoping for home success to join the list of finalists. The Africa Cup of Nations not only highlights the talent within African football but also brings nations together in a celebration of sport and unity. As fans eagerly await the finals, the journey of these teams serves as a reminder of the passion and dedication that football inspires across the continent.