São Tomé and Príncipe vs Nigeria
Related article: São Tomé and Príncipe vs Nigeria betting tips: AFCON qualifier preview
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: The Nigeria players pose for a team photo prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
Will Nigeria make it six points out of six to start Africa Cup of Nations qualifying?
On Thursday night, the Super Eagles battled back from a goal down to beat Sierra Leone 2-1 in Abuja.
Alex Iwobi slotting home the equaliser before star striker Victor Osimhen proved to be the match winner at Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
In March, Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup, losing to rivals Ghana on away goals, so will miss the tournament for just the second time since 1990.
Since, José Peseiro has taken over as Head Coach, tasked with winning AFCON next summer and ultimately qualifying for World Cup 2026.
Before AFCON qualification began, the Super Eagles played a pair of friendlies State-side, losing 2-1 to Mexico and then 1-0 to Ecuador.
But, it’s these games where points are on the line, so will Nigeria prove to be too strong in Agadir?
São Tomé and Príncipe are the lowest-ranked side who’ve reached this stage of qualifying, ousting Mauritius in a play-off earlier this year.
On Thursday, despite taking a shock lead through Eba Viegas, they were eventually hammered 5-1 by Guinea-Bissau.
Overall, São Tomé and Príncipe have won just eight of 43 competitive games, meaning Adriano Eusébio’s men are rank outsiders here.
Anything other than a healthy Nigeria win would be a major surprise.
Liberia vs Morocco
Related article: Liberia vs Morocco betting tips: AFCON qualifier preview
KALININGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 25, 2018: Moroccos Achraf Hakimi in their 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B Round 3 match against Spain at Kaliningrad Stadium; the teams drew 2-2. Denis Tyrin/TASS (Photo by Denis TyrinTASS via Getty Images)
This may be Liberia’s home game, but it’s actually taking place in Casablanca; either-way, Morocco should cruise to victory.
The Atlas Lions won their one and only AFCON title back in 1976, going out to rivals Egypt in the quarter-finals earlier this year.
However, come November, they’ll make their sixth World Cup appearance having demolished DR Congo in March’s play-offs.
So, unpopular Head Coach Vahid Halilhodžić is using these June internationals to prepare for games against Croatia, Belgium and Canada.
On Thursday, Morocco came from a goal down to beat South Africa 2-1 at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in their group opener.
Youssef En-Nesyri equalising, before Ayoub El Kaabi snatched an 88th minute winner in Rabaṭ.
So now, will the Atlas Lions make it two wins out of two in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying?
Well, this seems likely are they’re up against group minnows Liberia in this one.
The Lone Stars haven’t qualified for an AFCON since 2002, back when now President of the country George Weah was up front.
But, with Zimbabwe having been disqualified, all they have to do to end that streak is finish above perennial underachievers South Africa.
Those two will go head-to-head twice in September and those games will essentially decide who qualifies, almost certainly below Morocco.
Here, the nominal away side should cruise to victory at Stade Mohammed V.
Sierra Leone vs Guinea-Bissau
(Top L to R) Guinea-Bissau pose for a group picture during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group F football match between Guinea-Bissau and Ghana at the Suez Stadium in the north-eastern Egyptian city on July 2, 2019. (Photo by fadel senna / AFP) (Photo credit should read FADEL SENNA/AFP via Getty Images)
Will Guinea-Bissau make it two wins out of two in this Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign?
On Thursday, the Djurtus came from a goal down to hammer group minnows São Tomé and Príncipe 5-1 in Agadir.
Alfa Semedo equalising before Zinho Gano bagged a brace and then both Zidane Banjaqui and Jorginho secured the win.
Guinea-Bissau have qualified for each of the last three Africa Cup of Nations, failing to reach any of the nine editions they entered before this.
Nevertheless, given their recent success, Baciro Candé’s side are fully expected to finish in the top two of this group and make it four in a row.
Sierra Leone meanwhile were beaten 2-1 by group heavyweights Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday, taking a shock lead through Jonathan Morsay.
The Leone Stars ended their 26-year wait for an AFCON appearance in January, holding heavyweights Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire to draws.
If they’re to make it back-to-back qualifications, Sierra Leone will have to finish above Guinea-Bissau, making this clash so key.
Will there be a winner at Stade Général Lansana Conté?
