2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Africa Edition: Second Round – Groups, fixtures,  Results and teams

Group A

• Algeria
• Burkina Faso
• Niger
• Djibouti

 

Complete Fixtures and Results

Day 1: 5–8 June 2021

Algeria v Djibouti

 

Niger v Burkina Faso

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Day 2: Date: 11–14 June 2021

 

Burkina Faso v Algeria

 

Djibouti v Niger

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Day 3 – Date 1–4 September 2021

 

Algeria v Niger

 

Djibouti v Burkina Faso

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Day 4 5–8 September 2021

 

Niger v Algeria

 

Burkina Faso v Djibouti

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Day 5 6–9 October 2021

 

Djibouti v Algeria

 

Burkina Faso v Niger

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Day 6 10–12 October 2021

 

Algeria v Burkina Faso

 

Niger v Djibouti

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Group B

• Tunisia
• Zambia
• Mauritania
• Equatorial Guinea

 

Complete Fixtures and Results

Day 1 5–8 June 2021

Tunisia v Equatorial Guinea

 

Mauritania v Zambia

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Day 2 11–14 June 2021

 

Zambia v Tunisia

 

Equatorial Guinea v Mauritania

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Day 3 1–4 September 2021

 

Tunisia v Mauritania

 

Equatorial Guinea v Zambia

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Day 4 5–8 September 2021

 

Mauritania v Tunisia

 

Zambia v Equatorial Guinea

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Day 5 6–9 October 2021

Equatorial Guinea v Tunisia

 

Zambia v Mauritania

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Day 6 10–12 October 2021

Tunisia v Zambia

 

Mauritania v Equatorial Guinea

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Group C

• Nigeria
• Cape Verde
• The central African Republic
• Liberia

 

Complete Fixtures and Results

Day 1 – 5–8 June 2021

 

Nigeria v Liberia

Central African Republic v Cape Verde

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Day 2 11–14 June 2021

 

Cape Verde v Nigeria

Liberia v Central African Republic

 

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Day 3 1–4 September 2021

 

Nigeria v Central African Republic

Liberia v Cape Verde

 

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Day 4 5–8 September 2021

 

Central African Republic v Nigeria

Cape Verde v Liberia

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Day 5 6–9 October 2021

 

Liberia v Nigeria

Cape Verde v Central African Republic

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Day 6 10–12 October 2021

 

Nigeria v Cape Verde

Central African Republic v Liberia

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Group D

• Cameroon
• Ivory Coast
• Mozambique
• Malawi

Complete Fixtures and Results

Day 1 5–8 June 2021

Cameroon v Malawi

Mozambique v Ivory Coast

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Day 2 11–14 June 2021

 

Ivory Coast v Cameroon

Malawi v Mozambique

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Day 3 1–4 September 2021

 

Cameroon v Mozambique

Malawi v Ivory Coast

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Day 4 5–8 September 2021

 

Mozambique v Cameroon

Ivory Coast v Malawi

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Day 5 6–9 October 2021

 

Malawi v Cameroon

Ivory Coast v Mozambique

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Day 6 10–12 October 2021

 

Cameroon v Ivory Coast

Mozambique v Malawi

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Group E

• Mali
• Uganda
• Kenya
• Rwanda

Complete Fixtures and Results

Day 1 5–8 June 2021

 

Mali v Rwanda

Kenya v Uganda

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Day 2 11–14 June 2021

 

Uganda v Mali

Rwanda v Kenya

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Day 3 1–4 September 2021

 

Mali v Kenya

Rwanda v Uganda

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Day 4 5–8 September 2021

 

Kenya v Mali

Uganda v Rwanda

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Day 5 6–9 October 2021

 

Rwanda v Mali

Uganda v Kenya

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Day 6 10–12 October 2021

 

Mali v Uganda

Kenya v Rwanda

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Group F

• Egypt
• Ganon
• Libya
• Angola

Complete Fixtures and Results

Day 1 5–8 June 2021

 

Egypt v Angola

Libya v Gabon

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Day 2 11–14 June 2021

 

Gabon v Egypt

Angola v Libya

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Day 3 1–4 September 2021

 

Egypt v Libya

Angola v Gabon

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Day 4 5–8 September 2021

 

Libya v Egypt

Gabon v Angola

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Day 5 6–9 October 2021

 

Angola v Egypt

Gabon v Libya

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Day 6 10–12 October 2021

Egypt v Gabon

Libya v Angola

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Group G

• Ghana
• South Africa
• Zimbabwe
• Ethiopia

Complete Fixtures and Results

Day 1 5–8 June 2021

 

Ghana v Ethiopia

Zimbabwe v South Africa

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Day 2 11–14 June 2021

 

South Africa v Ghana

Ethiopia v Zimbabwe

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Day 3 1–4 September 2021

 

Ghana v Zimbabwe

Ethiopia v South Africa

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Day 4 5–8 September 2021

Zimbabwe v Ghana

South Africa v Ethiopia

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Day 5 6–9 October 2021

 

Ethiopia v Ghana

South Africa v Zimbabwe

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Day 6 10–12 October 2021

 

Ghana v South Africa

Zimbabwe v Ethiopia

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Group H

• Senegal
• Congo
• Namibia
• Togo

Complete Fixtures and Results

Day 1 5–8 June 2021

 

Senegal v Togo

Namibia v Congo

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Day 2 11–14 June 2021

 

Congo v Senegal

Togo v Namibia

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Day 3 1–4 September 2021

 

Senegal v Namibia

Togo v Congo

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Day 4 5–8 September 2021

 

Namibia v Senegal

Congo v Togo

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Day 5 6–9 October 2021

 

Togo v Senegal

Congo v Namibia

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Day 6 10–12 October 2021

 

Senegal v Congo

Namibia v Togo

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Group I

• Morocco
• Guinea
• Guinea Bissau
• Sudan

Complete Fixtures and Results

Day 1 5–8 June 2021

 

Morocco v Sudan

Guinea-Bissau v Guinea

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Day 2 11–14 June 2021

 

Guinea v Morocco

Sudan v Guinea-Bissau

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Day 3 1–4 September 2021

 

Morocco v Guinea-Bissau

Sudan v Guinea

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Day 4 5–8 September 2021

 

Guinea-Bissau v Morocco

Guinea v Sudan

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Day 5 6–9 October 2021

 

Sudan v Morocco

Guinea v Guinea-Bissau

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Day 6 10–12 October 2021

 

Morocco v Guinea

Guinea-Bissau v Sudan

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Group J

• DR Congo
• Benin Republic
• Madagascar
• Tanzania

Complete Fixtures and Results

Day 1 5–8 June 2021

 

DR Congo v Tanzania

Madagascar v Benin

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Day 2 11–14 June 2021

 

Benin v DR Congo

Tanzania v Madagascar

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Day 3 1–4 September 2021

 

DR Congo v Madagascar

Tanzania v Benin

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Day 4 5–8 September 2021

 

Madagascar v DR Congo

Benin v Tanzania

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Day 5 6–9 October 2021

 

Tanzania v DR Congo

Benin v Madagascar

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Day 6 10–12 October 2021

 

DR Congo v Benin

Madagascar v Tanzania

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2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Africa groups, fixtures/results

 

The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Africa edition with over ten groups fighting for a place in the showpiece in Qatar.

 

 

The 2022 World Cup is that would take place in the oil-rich state Qatar is a quadrennial international competition contested by countries across the world from the different confederation.

 

 

Each team from all confederation will play equal fixtures with a result that would mean advancement to the next round of the qualifying scene and finally to the world cup proper.

 

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Preview of the Groups and teams

 

Group A

Group A appears on paper as one of the easiest groups of the second round qualifications scene having only north Africans and defending champions of the African cup of nations Algeria in there.

 

Although, West Africans Burkina Faso could prove to be an obstacle for the desert foxes of Algeria.

 

The desert foxes of Algeria is Arguably the best national team in the whole of Africa. They are the defending Champions of the continent and currently sit 4th on the FIFA rankings for Africa.

 

Qualified unbeaten during the afcon 2021 Qualifiers, Algeria is aiming for a place in the showpiece next year after missing the 2018 edition which they fell to the dominance of Nigeria despite having Cameroon and Zambia in the same group.

 

 

However, the journey to Qatar could take a different dimension after all and the Algerians also have a point to prove to have some of the notable football stars of world football.

 

Squad

Algeria has notable makes like Riyad Mahrez, Faouzi Ghoulam, Bennacer, Benrahma, Feghouli, R. Ghezzal, etc.

 

The North african nation are expected to ease through the qualifying stage at least the second round before setting the next sight on the final round.

 

 

Algeria Statistics and how it counts for them

 

Winning the African Cup of Nations is a big plus for the country. At least, in the past previous game, the country has enjoyed reasonable results including beating Nigeria in a friendly game.

 

An incredible record to have as a country, the desert foxes are yet to lose in its last eight international games like Mexico, Nigeria and Zambia

 

Performance

Algerians are currently enjoying the best time of the lives winning more games than they have drawn as a nation.

 

The team currently has more support from its home fans and followers.

 

The desert foxes are currently one of the most popular teams in the African qualifying zones.

 

Ranking

Despite lifting the afcon title back in 2019 hosted by Egypt. Algeria are ranked 35th in FIFA rankings and 4th in Africa.

 

Algeria has the highest possible opportunity of qualifying for the main tournament in Qatar in 2022 having some notable players in the world like Riyad Mahrez, Faouzi Ghoulam, Bennacer, Benrahma, Feghouli.

 

Burkina Faso

The last time the senior national team of Burkina Faso, Les Étalons (The Stallions) was in 2013 when they played in the African Cup of Nations final which they eventually lost to Nigeria.

 

Although is the country is not on a high pedestal when it comes to African football in general. The country still offers a high level of competition to African football nations.

 

Players

Bertrand Traore is one of the high profile players in the team.

 

The impressive player plays for English Premier League club Aston Villa after leaving Chelsea as a young lad.

 

 

The in-form attacker midfielder is expected to lead the attack for the Burkinabes as they try to qualify for the world cup in 2022.

 

Having teams like Algeria, Djibouti and Niger Republic.

 

The North african side of Algeria is the main obstacle that could dent the hopes of the Burkinabes in their quest to reach the finals with a little less unknown set of players.

Statistics

It’s been average performance in the past few games of the Stallions. Hopefully, the world cup qualifiers could turn out to be an improvement from the country’s previous encounters.

 

In 2021, they have won just two matches in five-game across all competitions.

 

Performance

Burkina Faso would need to work harder if they’re to advance to the next round of the Qualifiers having Algeria as a major obstacle in the group.

 

Hopefully, Bertrand Traore with his fine form would help his country.

 

Support

The national team receives high support from the country’s soccer fans and they also a popular side in all continental tournaments.

 

Burkina Faso is ranked 59th in FIFA rankings and 11th in the continent.

 

How Burkinabes aim to reach the finals

 

Although it seems to be like a daunting task after the draws were made. The Stallions still has chances of making it to the next round.

 

 

The best would be to gather maximum points off the desert foxes of Algeria and probably the Niger Republic which also has witnessed a quick rise in recent times.

 

Niger Republic

Probably one of the least average sides in the world and Africa. The Niger Republic still has a chance of advancing to the finals in Qatar next year if they could eliminate Algeria and Burkina Faso.

 

Players

Moussa Maâzou, Amadou Moutari, Kamilou Daouda. These are some of the notable names that could aid the country through the series.

 

Algeria and Burkina Faso may be at the highest level of football. The Nigeriens also have a point to prove since they are no pushovers.

 

Statistics

Six matches played in 2021, The Nigeriens have only managed to ink out one draw and a loss, losing four games

 

Biggest victory 1 – 0 1 -0

Biggest defeat 2 – 6 2 – 6 0 – 3

The Niger Republic despite not enjoying favourable results are still no pushovers in the qualifying series.

 

Ranking

They are still one of the lower-ranked teams in the world. In the FIFA rankings, Niger Republic is ranked 112th and 28th on the continent.

 

Performance

It has not been the best of outings so far. However, there is still room for improvements in the future even as the country witnesses a high influx of player to some of the top foreign leagues.

 

How the Niger Republic aims to reach the next round

 

Although it looks like a done and dusted affair for the West Africans, there could be surprised at the end of the tunnel.

 

Djibouti

Nicknamed the Riverains de la Mer Rouge (“Shoremen of the Red Sea”), represents the country at international competitions like the afcon and Chan competitions.

 

Djibouti had struggled all through the history of football in the country. Although in an attempt to reach the world cup in 2022, they defeated Eswatini to advance to the group stages.

 

It may appear to be the biggest challenge for the national team yet. Djibouti could still reach the next round despite having the likes of Algeria, Burkina Faso and the Niger Republic.

 

Players

Moussa Hirir, Warsama Hassan, Mohamed Liban, Darar Aboubaker and Waberi Hachi are expected to lead the charge for the horn of Africa.

 

Statistics

In 2021 games, the team has lost the last two games it has played since the beginning of soccer actions on the continent.

 

How Djibouti aims for a place in Qatar 2022

 

It would be difficult, but the Horn of Africa is not ruled out as surprises could still emerge.

Performance

 

It’s been a quite lovable journey for the country’s football. But there’s been improving lately and the arrival of new players has further helped the country progress.

 

Group B

Tunisia

Zambia

Mauritania

Equatorial Guinea

 

Appears to be a group that would witness competition from all over having Zambia and Tunisia as the two major teams in the group.

 

Tunisia is clear favourites to advance to the next round followed by Zambia and probably Equatorial Guinea and Mauritania on the same level.

 

Tunisi

When it comes to listing the top team in Africa, The Eagles of Carthage would not be left behind on the list have kept a high level of consistency across all continental competitions like the Championship for African Nations and the AFCON.

 

Qualification for the AFCON was secured after easing past Libya and the next turn is the FIFA Club World in Qatar next year.

 

The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia is a major force in African football and remains one of the most respected teams in the world.

 

Squad

O. Haddadi, F. Sassi, Naïm Sliti, and Y. Msakni are expected to back the country in its quest to reach the next round.

 

Performance

Thrashing Libya away, scoring five goals was a way to begin the new football season for the country.

 

The North Africans wrapped up qualifications by defeating Equatorial Guinea who they would meet in the world cup qualifiers from June.

 

Statistics

Tunisia is having a great run of form lately, beating Libya and Equatorial Guinea.

 

Ranking

The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia are currently 27nd on the FIFA rankings and 2nd in Africa.

 

How Tunisia eyes the FIFA World Cup in Qatar

 

Although it may seem to be an easy group for the North Africans.

 

It could still prove to be a difficult task to qualify having teams like Zambia who had a disappointing run during the AFCON Qualifiers for 2022 tournament in Cameroon.

 

Zambia

After narrowly missing out on qualification for the AFCON in Cameroon next year.

 

Securing a ticket for Qatar would be the only card left on the table for Zambian football and Zambians in general.

 

Winning the African Cup of the back in 2012 which was the country’s first, the nation saw a quick rise as the Championship became a source of motivation.

 

 

Zambia would have to see off Tunisia, Equatorial Guinea and Mauritania in its bid to reach the next round.

 

 

In the history of Zambian football, they have never qualified for any competition dating back to the nation’s emergence in world football back in 1990 which was hosted and won by Uruguay.

 

Squad

Stoppila Sunzu, Rainford Kalaba, Kennedy Mweene, Enock Mwepu and Patson Daka. The Chipolopolo, the “Copper Bullets” is expected to claim the next round.

 

The current squad in the country especially Patson Daka who is currently watched by major heavyweights in club football like Liverpool with some other english clubs is expected to provide the goals.

 

 

Patson Daka is compared to Erling Haaland, scoring an average of two goals per game according to stats during the 2019/2020 football season in Austria.

 

He plays for Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian Bundesliga.

 

Statistics

Despite beating Zimbabwe in the last game of the qualifying series, Zambia still could not reach Cameroon. The team can still count on more international success with impressive results against Algeria (3-3) and Zambia (2-0).

 

 

It has been difficult for the Southern African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup. Hopefully, 2022 could turn out to be in favour of the North Africans.

 

 

Patson Daka and his teammates are expected to lift national pride with a ticket to Qatar.

 

Performance

A brace from Patson Daka sinked already qualified Zimbabwe.

 

But a three all draw and a defeat to Morocco means a lot must be done to return the country to a high level.

 

Mauritania

Nicknamed the Al-Murabitun, Mauritania witnessed a quick rise from 2019 up until now despite having Bhutan, San Marino and the Turks & Caicos Islands were ranked below them in 2012.

 

 

From the fourth worse team in the world to the big stage on the African continent is the name behind the Islamic Republic of Mauritania.

 

The country has over seventeen professional players playing abroad were on hand to help the country qualify for two successive AFCON led by coach Corentin Martins.

 

Mauritania has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup in the history of football in the country.

 

Players

Some of the players play in the reserves of professional teams in Spain and Turkey.

Khassa Camara, Dominique Da Sylva, Ismaël Diakité and Abdallahi Mahmoud are some notable names.

 

Performance

Mauritania remains a fast-rising team in Africa and continued with its steady rise.

A notable result this year came as they forced giants Morocco to a scoreless draw during the AFCON Qualifiers for Cameroon next year.

 

Statistics

A win on the road against the Central African Republic, a draw with Morocco and a loss to Burundi are some of the recent records.

 

How Mauritania aims for a place in the World Cup in 2022

 

They will proceed from where they stopped, reaching the AFCON in Cameroon.

 

Coach Corentin Martins is expected to guide the team to success against tougher opponents like Tunisia and Zambia.

 

Equatorial Guinea

The Central African country nicknamed the Nzalang Nacional (National Thunder), have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

 

When it comes to the list of top teams on the continent, the Nzalang Nacional are far away from the top.

 

Squad

A notable name on the list is Pedro Obiang, who currently plays in the Italian Serie A with Sassuolo.

 

Performance

Equatorial Guinea won two out of three games.

 

How the country plans for Qatar

 

It is a long way to go. But there still chances of making it to the next round.

 

Group C

Nigeria

Cape Verde

The central African Republic

Liberia

 

Group C could turn out to be a two-horse race despite having Nigeria as the most notable and respected team on the continent.

 

Ranked third in Africa, Nigeria cruised past the Benin Republic and Lesotho to reach the finals of the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

 

 

For Cape Verde, it is the start of another brave moment for the Atlantic Ocean country. Represented by Portuguese affiliated players, the Cape Verdians could become a major obstacle for Nigeria.

 

Nigeria, a three-time Champions of Africa in the past.

 

In the records, Nigeria has qualified for the last for six of the last seven FIFA World Cup tournaments, missing only the 2006 edition hosted by Germany.

 

The central African Republic and Liberia are the two other nations in Group C.

 

Players

Alex Iwobi, Leon Balogun, Samuel Chukweze, Victor Osimhen, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, etc are the notable names.

 

The Super Eagles are expected to lead the group with Cape Verde also expected to offer a high level of competition.

 

Performance

Although towards the closing stages of the AFCON Qualifiers the Eagles struggled. However, the introduction of new players quickly changed the status of the team.

 

Nigeria won its last two competitive games against the Benin Republic and Lesotho.

 

Statistics

Nigerian are unbeaten in the last five games after bowing to Algeria in a friendly game.

 

How the Super Eagles plan to reach the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022

 

Nigeria has some of the best young talents in the world right now, would have itself to blame if the chances of reaching the finals are blown out.

 

For Nigeria, it is another opportunity for Franco-German Gernot Rohr to unleash his fast-rising youngsters on the rest of Africa even though the team had faced problems with scoring many goals.

 

Rohr revealed he may not invite new players for the Qualifiers which was said just after the final AFCON Qualifiers against the Benin Republic and Lesotho.

 

Currently, players like Nathan Tella, Ovie Ejaria, Oluwayemi are some players waiting for the nations call up.

 

Brazilian star and defender Lucas Alves had earlier hinted at representing the Super Eagles.

 

Cape Verde remains the strongest opposition for Nigeria.

 

Cape Verde

The Cape Verde national team Blue Sharks has continued with its development at the highest stage of African football.

 

The Atlantic Ocean country has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup but has managed to reach the AFCON in 2013.

 

 

Before the FIFA World Cup in 2014, the country was thrown out by FIFA in the playoffs for fielding ineligible player after they had already qualified for the final round.

 

Squad

Ryan Mendes, Lisandro Semedo and a host of others are expected to lead the country’s hopes of reaching Qatar.

 

 

Performance

Cape Verde is already in the AFCON in Cameroon in 2022. Impressive results against Mozambique and Cameroon handed the archipelago a sole ticket for the tournament.

 

Statistics

The Cape Verdians have been consistent in the last couple of games.

 

The central African Republic

 

Although seen as one of the minors in the group. C.A.R still has clear chances of qualifying through the Qualifiers.

 

 

The Wild Beasts have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

 

Players

Geoffrey Kondogbia and Zouma are expected to lead the charge for the Central African country.

 

How Central African Republic plans for the FIFA World Cup

 

Even though they have never qualified, the country still has high hopes of achieving a ticket at the expense of Nigeria and Cape Verde.

 

Liberia

 

The Western African nation returns to world cup qualifiers.

 

Having a legendary footballer George Weah inspiring the team.

 

Liberia is an average side compared with Nigeria and Cape Verde.

 

 

How Liberia aims to reach finals

 

Although the country’s quest for qualifications looks like a daunting task. However, there’s equal opportunity for every team.

 

Support

The people of Liberia and the president of the country are football lovers and would do everything to ensure the advances to the next round at the expense of Nigeria, Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea.

 

Group D

Cameroon
Ivory coast
Mozambique
Malawi

Group D is an open group looking through the various groups of the second round qualifications stage.

 

Having sides like Cameroon, Mozambique and Ivory Coast makes it a super competitive group which could either Cameroon, Ivory Coast Mozambique even as we try not to write off the potentials of Malawi.

 

Cameroon

The newly revamped national team are one course for greatness, eyeing the finals in 2022.

 

Last time, they were stopped by a brilliant Nigerian side who had to eliminate Algeria and Zambia in the process.

 

 

After facing rejection from some of its most notable first-team players.

 

The national team went through a rebuilding stage and has returned to stake a claim where they were in African football in the past.

 

Players

Fabrice Ondoa, Jean Efala, André Zambo Anguissa, V. Aboubakar Clinton N’Jie and most notably Eric Choupo-Moting.

 

Head coach António Conceição da Silva Oliveira would have to guide the current set of players available at his disposal for the qualifying series.

 

The Cameroonians were Champions of africa back in 2017 and would host the 2022 edition next year before heading for the FIFA World Cup if they manage to qualify.

 

Performance

It has been a steady rise for the national team of Cameroon after going through a rebuilding system.

 

This however did work in 2017 as they won the AFCON title without some of its biggest stars.

 

Mozambique

Mozambique is another underrated side from the eastern part of the continent.

 

Although the country has not done well in top competition, there has been a steady rise year after year.

 

Mozambique has never qualified for the FIFA Club World but had an impressive run in the qualifiers during the 2010 edition in South Africa.

 

Players

Mozambique would be counting on Domingues, Edson André Sitoe and Clesio Bauque for its crucial Qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Cameroon.

 

Performance

It has been struggling times for the Southern African nation after crashing out of the AFCON. But there are still high hopes for Qatar.

 

The last time they faced ivory coast, it ended in elimination, but hopefully, there would be a change this term.

 

Ivory Coast

The Elephants of Ivory Coast or Cote D’ivoire are one of the football giants on the African continent alongside Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, etc.

 

The giants also have failed to reach a major tournament like the world. The country had also qualified for three consecutive World Cups from 2006 to 2014.

 

Having top stars including Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, Emmanuel Eboué, Wilfried Bony, Seydou Doumbia, Gervinho, Eric Bailly, Serge Aurier, Nicolas Pépé, Maxwel Cornet, Wilfried Zaha, Kolo Touré, Salomon Kalou, Sébastien Haller, Franck Kessié, Willy Boly and Jérémie Boga.

 

Ivory Coast golden generation could not be forgotten.

 

Players

Seydou Doumbia Eric Bailly, Serge Aurier, Nicolas Pépé, Maxwel Cornet, Wilfried Zaha, Sébastien Haller, Franck Kessié, Willy Boly and Jérémie Boga.

 

This array of stars is Cote D’Ivoire backbone for Qualifiers as they would have to eliminate Cameroon and Mozambique.

 

Performance

It has been one of the best outings for the West Africans, sealing a ticket for Cameroon next year.

 

How Cote D’ivoire plans for the world.

 

It would be a shame to see this array of stars miss out on qualification. This and others are expected to spur the team to an impressive outing from June this year.

 

Malawi

Nicknamed The Flames, represents the country at major competitions.

 

The country also grabbed one of the tickets for the tournament in Cameroon next year.

 

Malawi have never qualified for the world cup.

 

Players

Robert Ng’ambi, Gabadinho Mhango are some of the players the country will count on.

 

Performance

It was a memorable experience as Malawi qualified for the AFCON.

 

 

Group E

Mali
Uganda
Kenya
Rwanda

 

Group E is the easiest group of the second round qualifications for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar 2022.

 

West Africans mali will battle with Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda.

 

Mali

The Eagles of Mali is also a respected side in Africa.

 

Mali has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup since its emergence on the football scene.

 

Respected locally most especially in Championship for African Nations tournament.

 

Players

In the past was Seidou Keita. But there’s a new era of superstars that could guide Mali as group favourites to the next round.

 

Current squad

Moussa Marega, Adama Traoré, Yves Bissouma, Moussa Djenepo, Amadou Haidara, and Modibo Sagnan.

 

Mali has a clear chance of getting to the next round.

 

Performance

It was pretty easy to qualify for AFCON in Cameroon. The focus shifts to the qatar qualification race set to begin from June this year.

 

Uganda

The cranes of Uganda lost out in the AFCON Qualifiers race. The country has never reached the world cup in its history.

 

Players

Denis Onyango, Farouk Miya and Allan Okello are expected to improve on their efforts as Uganda aim for its first world cup qualification.

 

Performance

It was rather sad ended for East African as they failed to qualify for the AFCON in Cameroon.

The attention is now up in Qatar.

 

Kenya

Kenya has never qualified for the world cup in its history.

 

Players

Victor Mugubi Wanyama would lead his country for yet again the world cup journey after failing to reach the finals in previous attempts.

 

Performance

The country failed to qualify for the AFCON in Cameroon.

Rwanda

Although not known to be a major force in African soccer, Rwanda still has what to fight for as the race for the Mundial takes centre stage from June.

 

Players

Jacques Tuyisenge, Emery Bayisenge and Yannick Mukunzi would lead the Rwandan contingent in the race for the next round.

 

Group F

 

Egypt

Gabon

Libya

Angola

 

Egypt is one of the biggest national team on the African continent winning the continental showpiece seven times in the past.

 

Egypt has only qualified for the world cup twice.

 

Players

Mohamed Salah, Trezeguet, Mohamed Elneny and Ahmed Hegazy are some of the big names on the list.

 

Mohamed Salah is currently Regarded as one of the best attackers of world football. He currently plays for Letting Liverpool FC in the English Premier League.

 

Trezeguet plays for Aston Villa.

 

Performance

 

Egypt ensured qualification for the African cup of nations billed for Cameroon next year. Egypt has so far enjoyed a blistering run of form in the past few years.

 

Gabon

The Gananoese National team is also one of the top sides having stars like Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Mario Lemina in the mix.

 

 

Gabon qualified for the world cup as a french colony from 1930 to 1962. Since then, the country has failed to reach the finals.

 

 

Players

Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Mario Lemina are top stars as the country head for the Qualifiers.

 

Libya

Libya has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup in the history of the country.

 

Angola

Angola is also a top team on the continent of Africa. From 1930 to 1982, Angola participated in the world cup as part of Portugal.

 

The country eventually reached the competition in 2006 hosted in Germany.

 

Players

BASTOS, ZITO LUVUMBO, JABEZ MALEKO and GELSON DALA are expected to lead the charge for the qualifying series.

 

 

Group G

Ghana

South Africa

Zimbabwe

Ethiopia

 

This is another competitive group having Ghana and South Africa lock horns once again.

 

The black stars of Ghana used to be a major force but have witnessed a huge drop in terms of performance. But that being said, Ghana is still one of the most respected in Africa.

 

 

South Africa would have to eliminate Ghana who stopped them from reaching the AFCON in Cameroon next year.

 

Ghana

The West Africans seek a new challenge after missing out on the competition the last timeout.

 

Ghana has qualified for three consecutive World Cups. The country got to the quarter-finals of the world and became the third nation from Africa to do so.

 

Players

Richard Ofori, Baba Abdul Rahman, Mubarak Wakaso, Emmanuel Boateng are some of the top stars.

 

South Africa

The Bafana Bafana as they are popularly known faces a tough test having Ghana once again in its sight.

 

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is a country from Southern African. The country has also failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

 

Ethiopia

Ethiopia will be making another attempt to reach the finals in Qatar.

 

Group H.

Senegal

Congo

Namibia

Togo

 

Yet again touted as a near easy ride for Senegal, the West Africans are drawn against Congo who remains the main threat in the group.

 

Senegal

The Lions of Teranga are one of the biggest sides on the African continent with two appearances in the world cup.

 

Having some of the notable names of world football including Sadio Mane and Coulibaly.

 

Senegal are clear favourites to qualify out of group H with some form of opposition from Congo and Togo.

 

Players

Sadio Mane, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdou Diallo, Mbaye Diagne, Idrissa Gueye, Ismaïla Sarr and M’Baye Niang.

 

The Senegalese with this coup of players are expected to qualify out of group H without having too many problems.

 

The last time they a competitive game was in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers which they almost lost to Guinea Bissau in the final round.

 

Senegal is one of the giants of African football.

 

Performance

It’s been steady progress for the Senegalese national team having some of the best players in the world like Sadio Mane who plays for Liverpool in the English Premier League.

 

 

The country sealed qualification for the AFCON in Cameroon and has shifted focus to the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers for Qatar.

 

Congo

Arguably the second-best team and Senegal’s main opposition in the group. The Congolese also has their own story to tell when it comes to FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

 

 

Represented by players within and outside the shores of the continent. They are also a strong side capable of upsetting big teams in big moments such as this.

 

Players

Congo also had some notable players within and outside the shores of Africa.

 

Performance

Despite not having some of the biggest of names, Congo also appears in major continental competitions.

 

Namibia

Considered as one of the average sides in the group, Namibia has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

 

Togo

The West Africans are also a strong side when it comes to continental engagements.

 

Having Players including Emmanuel Adebayor in the past, Togo qualified for the FIFA World Cup in 2006 hosted by Germany.

 

Performance

Togo failed in its bid to reach the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon next year.

 

Group I

Morocco

Guinea

Guinea Bissau

Susan

 

 

Morocco and Guinea are in the spotlight in the group having minors Guinea Bissau and most notably Sudan, who has witnessed a huge drop in form lately.

 

Morocco

One of the best sides on the african continent, Morocco is the team that usually prides itself as homegrown talents promoters.

 

Players

Hakim Ziyech, Munir El Haddadi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Younès Belhanda, Romain Saïss and Sofiane Boufal.

 

Morocco has some of the biggest African stars playing across some of the big leagues in Europe.

 

Performance

Morocco easily booked a place in Cameroon next year and would shift attention to the FIFA World Cup to held in the oil-rich Asian state of Qatar.

 

Guinea

Guinea is a country from Western African. Known for upsetting teams, they are also one of the strongest in the continent.

 

Naby Keïta is a notable name amongst others.

 

 

Guinea Bissau

Guinea Bissau has never participated in the world cup as an independent nation but did so as part of Portugal from 1930 to 1974.

 

 

The country qualified for the last two editions of the African cup of nations in 2017 and 2019. They have also booked a place in the finals in Cameroon in 2022.

 

Performance

Guinea Bissau qualified for the AFCON in Cameroon. The country has seen a major rise in form.

 

Sudan

Sudan used to be a major powerhouse in Africa. But has witnessed low performances lately.

 

 

Group J

 

DR Congo

Benin

Madagascar

Tanzania

 

DR Congo

Players

 

Cédric Bakambu, Yannick Bolasie, Dieumerci Mbokani

 

Benin Republic

Benin Republic has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. 2022 is another opportunity for the Squirrels.

 

Madagascar

Madagascar would have to fight the Benin Republic, DR Congo and Tanzania in one of the easiest group of the qualifying series.

 

Tanzania

Tanzania football has witnessed a high level of improvement. The qualifying series is another opportunity to fight for a place in a major tournament.

 

Africa World Cup Qualifiers 2022 Format

Teams that would emerge  winners of the ten groups qualify for the third and final round.

 

The third round of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Qualifiers Africa Edition will play a two-legged home and away fixture to determine who qualifies.

 

First Round – Fixtures & Results

Ethiopia 1–1 (a) Lesotho 0–0 1–1

Somalia 2–3 Zimbabwe 1–0 1–3

Eritrea 1–4 Namibia 1–2 0–2

Burundi 2–2 (0–3 p) Tanzania 1–1 1–1 (a.e.t.)

Djibouti 2–1 Eswatini 2–1 0–0

Botswana 0–1 Malawi 0–0 0–1

Gambia 1–3 Angola 0–1 1–2

Liberia 3–2 Sierra Leone 3–1 0–1

Mauritius 0–3 Mozambique 0–1 0–2

São Tomé and Príncipe 1–3 Guinea-Bissau 0–1 1–2

South Sudan 1–2 Equatorial Guinea 1–1 0–1

Comoros 1–3 Togo 1–1 0–2

Chad 1–3 Sudan 1–3 0–0

Seychelles 0–10 Rwanda.

 

2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Africa Edition, Groups, Teams, Fixtures and Results (The Road to Qatar).