The Africa Cup of Nations group stage enters a decisive phase this week as second-round results sharpen the qualification picture across the tournament.
The outcomes have set up tense final group fixtures, with little room for error as teams chase places in the knockout stage.
Narrow margins and mounting pressure defined the round, with Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria sealing round-of-16 qualification.
Several other groups remain finely balanced, ensuring dramatic final group matches across multiple venues.
Nigeria qualified on Saturday night after a dramatic 3–2 victory over Tunisia to move onto six points.
First-half goals from Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman handed the Super Eagles a commanding three-goal cushion.
A late Tunisian fightback, however, ensured a nervy finish before Nigeria confirmed progression with one game remaining.
Egypt maintained a perfect record, edging South Africa 1–0 in a tightly contested encounter.
Algeria continued their efficient start with a 1–0 victory over Burkina Faso to secure early qualification.
Senegal were held to a 1–1 draw by DR Congo, while defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon shared a tense 1–1 stalemate.
Benin recorded a historic milestone, claiming their first AFCON victory with a 1–0 win over Botswana.
The result kept Benin’s knockout hopes alive, while Mozambique’s 3–2 comeback win over Gabon highlighted the tournament’s unpredictability.
Attention now turns to the final group fixtures, with Nigeria facing Uganda at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday.
With qualification secured, the match offers Nigeria an opportunity to manage squad rotation ahead of the knockout rounds.
Senegal meet Benin later at 8:00 p.m., knowing qualification remains uncertain.
Further matches in the phase include Algeria against Equatorial Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire versus Gabon.
Cameroon face Mozambique with qualification still hanging in the balance across several undecided groups.
The battle for the best third-place finishes is expected to dominate as teams fight to remain in the tournament.
All matches will be shown live on SuperSport, with DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli subscribers enjoying Open Access throughout the AFCON period.
