The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ may already be in the rear-view mirror, but it is likely still playing on the minds of the five African teams that failed to advance to the knockout stages. In order to put their disappointment behind them definitively, they have set themselves the objective of shining on the continental scene and qualifying for the 2019 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, due to be held in Cameroon.
That is easier said than done, however. And while, after two matchdays, Senegal and Tunisia sit in first place in their respective groups, several sections are currently topped by surprise packages not generally accustomed to success. FIFA.com takes a look at these unexpected leaders ahead of the third and fourth round of fixtures, scheduled to take place between 10 and 16 October.
The key double-headers
Ethiopia-Kenya: In a Group F that has seen all four teams win a match and lose one, Kenya are hopeful of giving themselves a decent chance of qualifying. Their double-header against Ethiopia, crowned African champions in 1962 but in the doldrums for years, could enable the Harambee Stars to take a giant step towards booking a spot at the Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004. However, Sebastien Migne’s men have not enjoyed the smoothest of preparations, with complications besetting their plans for a training camp in Nairobi and their journey to Bahir Dar in Ethiopia.
Zambia-Guinea-Bissau: When Guinea-Bissau qualified for the 2017 Cup of Nations, it was widely viewed as something of a miracle, but two years later, their results suggest that it may instead have signalled the emergence of a golden generation. After two matches, the Djurtus sit proudly atop Group K, and have high hopes of remaining there following their home-and-away series of matches with Zambia. Over the last few years, the Zambians have struggled to return to the heady heights of 2012, when they lifted the trophy; indeed, having been eliminated at the group stage in 2013 and 2015, they missed out on the tournament altogether in 2017.
Uganda-Lesotho: After a solid start in this qualifying campaign, Uganda are well-placed to cement their position at the top and move closer to the Cup of Nations proper via their upcoming matches with Lesotho, who presently occupy 145th place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, 62 spots below the Cranes.
Congo DR-Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe are the early pace-setters in Group G, but Congo DR, who lie second on goal difference, are in hot pursuit. The Warriors are likely to have their hands full in their two games with Les Léopards, whose squad features, as per usual, a core of players from TP Mazembe, as well as a handful of performers boasting experience of major European leagues.
What they said
“We didn’t achieve our objective at the World Cup, which was to reach the quarter-finals. But we haven’t got time to cry over spilt milk, and we’ve managed to move on. Now the 2019 Cup of Nations in Cameroon is on the horizon. That must be our major objective now.”
Senegal forward Keita Balde.