On Thursday, September 7, 2023, Ghana, Angola, and Tanzania secured their spots at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast next year, becoming the 16th, 17th, and 18th teams to do so.
In the early evening matches, Ghana claimed victory by defeating the Central African Republic 2-1 in Kumasi, finishing at the top of Group E. Meanwhile, Angola secured the runner-up position with a goalless draw against Madagascar in Lubango.
The Black Stars faced a threat when Louis Mafouta of the Central African Republic put the visitors ahead midway through the first half. However, Mohammed Kudus, a new signing for West Ham United, equalized with a direct free-kick shortly before halftime. Ernest Appiah secured a hard-fought victory for Chris Hughton’s team with a late tap-in.
Ghana, four-time AFCON champions, will be making their 10th consecutive appearance at the tournament and their 24th overall. The Palancas Negras return to the continental championship for the first time since 2019 and the ninth time overall.
In the later matches, the focus shifted to the battle between East African teams Tanzania and Uganda, competing to join Algeria in qualifying from Group F. The Taifa Stars secured their berth at the finals with a determined 0-0 draw against group winners Algeria in Annaba. Uganda’s 2-0 win over Niger in Marrakesh, thanks to goals from Azizi Kayondo and Joseph Ochaya, was ultimately academic.
Tanzania is making its return to the Nations Cup for the first time since 2019 and will be making its third appearance overall.
The final night match was a dead-rubber from Group J, where already-qualified Tunisia defeated already-eliminated Botswana 3-0 in Tunis. The victory, featuring an own goal from Alford Velaphi and a late brace from Youssef Msakni, saw the Carthage Eagles claim top spot in the group over fellow qualifiers Equatorial Guinea.
The AFCON qualifiers will continue on Friday, September 8, with three dead-rubber matches: Egypt vs. Ethiopia, Burkina Faso vs. Eswatini, and Mali vs. South Sudan.
AFCON Qualifiers Results – Thursday, September 7:
- Angola 0-0 Madagascar
- Ghana 2-1 Central African Republic
- Algeria 0-0 Tanzania
- Niger 0-2 Uganda
- Tunisia 3-0 Botswana
