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DR Congo, Uganda, and Senegal secured AFCON 2025 spots with crucial wins, while other teams face tough qualification battles.
DR Congo, Uganda and Senegal secured their places in the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco with crucial victories in their qualification matches on Tuesday.
The action-packed day saw late drama, stunning strikes, and crucial points earned, as several teams edged closer to the prestigious continental tournament, while others found their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
DR Congo's late surge secures spot
DR Congo continued their perfect run in Group H, defeating Tanzania 2-0 in a thrilling encounter at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium.
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Despite a goalless first half, the Leopards stepped up in the final minutes to secure the win, thanks to a brace from Meschack Elia.
The match seemed to be heading toward a stalemate until Elia broke the deadlock in the 87th minute. Nathanael Mbuku provided the assist, allowing Elia to calmly slot the ball into the back of the net.
DR Congo wasn’t done yet—Elia struck again in the 93rd minute to double the lead and seal all three points for the Leopards.
With 12 points from four matches, DR Congo has now secured their place at AFCON 2025, becoming one of the two teams to qualify from Group H.
Tanzania, sitting second with four points, faces stiff competition from Guinea and Ethiopia in the remaining matches as the battle for the second qualification spot intensifies.
Mane's last-minute heroics send Senegal to AFCON
Senegal, the reigning AFCON champions, booked their place in Morocco after a dramatic 1-0 victory over Malawi.
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The match, held at Kamuzu Stadium, was heading towards a goalless draw until Senegalese star Sadio Mane produced a moment of magic deep into stoppage time.
In the 96th minute, Mane stepped up to take a free kick from just outside the box and curled the ball beautifully into the top corner, leaving the Malawi goalkeeper with no chance.
The last-gasp goal sent the Teranga Lions to the top of Group L, level on 10 points with Burkina Faso, and guaranteed them a place in AFCON 2025.
Malawi, who are yet to win a match in the group and currently sit bottom with no points, are now officially eliminated from the qualification race. Meanwhile, Senegal and Burkina Faso are confirmed to be Morocco-bound.
Uganda benefit from own goal to seal qualification
Uganda earned their spot at AFCON 2025 after a hard-fought 2-1 win against South Sudan in Group K.
The Cranes took an early lead through Denis Omedi in the 15th minute, but South Sudan responded swiftly with a stunning equalizer from Yohanna Juma in the 21st minute. Juma’s strike gave South Sudan hope, but Uganda remained determined.
In the 66th minute, Uganda was gifted the win when South Sudan’s Alfred Leku scored an unfortunate own goal following a defensive mishap.
Despite some late pressure from the hosts, Uganda held on to secure their third win of the campaign, putting them at the top of Group K with 10 points. South Sudan, still without a point after four matches, now faces the grim reality of elimination.
Sudan breathes life into campaign with win over Ghana
In Group F, Sudan revived their hopes of qualifying for AFCON with a crucial 2-0 victory over Ghana.
The Black Stars, one of the continent’s most decorated teams, now find themselves in serious danger of missing out on the tournament.
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Sudan broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Ahmed Al Tash scored a well-placed header, igniting the home crowd.
Just three minutes later, Mohamed Abdelrahman doubled the lead with a powerful finish, sending Sudan into second place in the group with seven points.
Ghana, who remain winless and sit third in the group with just two points, now face a daunting challenge to keep their qualification hopes alive as they prepare for their remaining fixtures.
Zambia edge Chad to stay on course
In Group G, Zambia secured a vital 1-0 win over Chad, with Kennedy Musonda scoring the only goal of the match in the 70th minute.
The Chipolopolo had to withstand late pressure from Chad, who were awarded a penalty in the 85th minute.
However, Zambia’s goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata pulled off a stunning save to deny Chad an equalizer.
The win moves Zambia to second place in the group with seven points, keeping their qualification hopes alive. Chad, still winless in the campaign, languishes at the bottom of the table with just two points.
Gabon cruise past Lesotho
Gabon also boosted their chances of qualifying for AFCON 2025 with a comfortable 2-0 win over Lesotho in Group B.
Shavy Babicka opened the scoring in the 55th minute, converting a neat pass into the net. Rody Effaghe then sealed the victory in the 84th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from Lesotho.
Gabon’s victory takes them to seven points, moving them to second place in the group behind Nigeria.
On the other hand Lesotho remains rooted to the bottom of the group with just one point.
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