Four decisive matches are on the program for this last day of the group stages of this CAN 2022. Tunisia decimated by the Covid, with 12 positive players including the star Khazri, is playing its qualification. The meeting Ivory Coast – Algeria promises to be the biggest shock of this day. We summarize everything for you in our CAN diary, our daily meeting until the final on February 6.
What to remember from this Wednesday
Group D delivered its verdict on Wednesday evening. Already qualified and assured of first place, Nigeria won at a slow trot against Guinea-Bissau (2-0) thanks to former Roma player Umar Sadiq (56th) then William Troost-Ekong (75th) . A third victory in as many games. In the other match, Egypt did not have to force their talent to get rid of Sudan (1-0) thanks to a header from Mohamed Abdelmonem after a set piece from Said (35th). A success that secures him second place. With a small point on the clock, Sudan (3rd) and Guinea-Bissau (4th) are eliminated. Which suits Algeria and Tunisia, who can still claim qualification, even through a place of best third. Results that also ensure the qualification of Cape Verde and Malawi, as best third. The Cape Verdeans will face Senegal in the 8th round while Malawi will face Morocco. There are only two best third places left for three possible groups. That of group C with the Comoros who have three points and the third of two groups which will be played this Thursday.
Thursday’s program
Group E: Ivory Coast – Algeria (5 p.m. on BeIN Sports 2)
It is the shock of this last day of the group stages of this CAN 2022. The last chance match for Algeria, defending champion, and which is experiencing a catastrophic start to the competition with a draw and a defeat. Placed in last place in its group, the selection trained by Djamel Belmadi must imperatively win if it wants to continue its stay in Cameroon. Côte d’Ivoire qualified without playing this Wednesday evening with the outcome of Group D. But they must win to benefit from an affordable round of 16.
Group E: Sierra Leone-Equatorial Guinea (5 p.m. on BeIN Sports 3)
By hanging two draws against the favorites of the group, Algeria (0-0) and Côte d’Ivoire (2-2), Sierra Leone is in third place. The 108th nation in the world in the FIFA rankings can still qualify in 8th, which would be a first for the country which has participated in two AFCONs in its history. Equatorial Guinea created a surprise by winning against Algeria (1-0). Juan Micha Obiang Bicogo’s men can also apply to leave the group stages.
Group F: Gambia-Tunisia (20 hours on BeIN Sports 2)
Tunisia would have preferred to have had a quieter start to the competition. With three points in two games, the men of Mondher Kebaier are still not qualified in 8th while this nation is one of the cadors of this CAN 2022. For this decisive match of group F, the Tunisian technician will not be able to count on 12 of its players, all positive for Covid, including star Wahbi Khazri. First tied, Gambia is now qualified. The 150th nation in the world ranking reached the round of 16 for the first time.
Group F: Mali-Mauritania (20 hours on BeIN Sports Max 4)
Mali has its destiny in its hands. In this last meeting of the group stages, the men of Mohamed Magassouba can secure a first place, by winning this last match. This task is the reach of the Eagles. Mauritania is last in the group with 0 wins in as many games. The 103rd nation in the FIFA rankings will want to score their first points in the competition.
Player to watch: Riyad Mahrez
Part of the pressure of an entire country rests on his shoulders. Like his selection, Riyad Mahrez is experiencing a complicated start to the competition. The Manchester City player did not weigh enough on the opposing defenses. But the Citizen knows it, everything will be played this Thursday evening. “We absolutely have to win if we want to continue. It’s a big challenge, but we have the ability to react,” the player said at a press conference. “We lacked efficiency and we need to be more spontaneous in our attack. The elimination of Algeria would be a terrible disappointment for the defending champions of this competition.