October 14 – Gambia, Chad, South Sudan and Sao Tome (pictured) have advanced in qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
They survived the preliminary round of the qualifiers to ensure a berth in the group stages of the qualifying process. The Gambia struggled against Djibouti to progress after drawing 1-1 in the first leg. In the return leg the team coached by Belgian Tom Saintfiet needed penalties to knockout the minnows, who progressed in World Cup qualifying in September against Eswatini.
They will meet the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon and Angola en route to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Chad also required penalties to enter the group base. They defeated 10-man Liberia 1-0 to tie the leg 1-1. The visitors had captain Sam Johnson sent off shortly after the break. On penalties, Chad triumphed 5-4.
In the other ties, South Sudan were too strong for the Seychelles, winning 3-1 on aggregate after a 2-1 win in the first leg. They have been paired with Burkina Faso, Uganda and Malawi in Group B. Sao Tome e Principe won 5-2 on aggregate against Mauritius. The island nation have been drawn with Ghana, South Africa and Sudan in Group C.
The group phases for the next Africa Cup of Nations kick off in November.
Contact the writer of this story, Samindra Kunti, at moc.l1735007008labto1735007008ofdlr1735007008owedi1735007008sni@o1735007008fni1735007008