We've had two of our six continental championships, with USA and Australia winning in North America and Oceania respectively.
Today we start the African Championship. Unlike the previous two tournaments, this promises to be a far more open field, with no obvious dominant teams. The 24 qualifiers are drawn into 6 groups of 4:
Today we start the African Championship. Unlike the previous two tournaments, this promises to be a far more open field, with no obvious dominant teams. The 24 qualifiers are drawn into 6 groups of 4:
The top two in each group progress, as do the four 3rd-placed teams with the best record. Today we're going to cover all six groups, so let's be crazy and start with...
Group A (Gabon, Sudan, Mozambique, Burkina Faso)
With all four teams here never really getting that close to DWC qualification, this feels like a fairly even group - a kind of opposite Group of Death. Generally North African teams do well, and Sudan are a capable team, but Gabon are top seeds after making the African play-offs in this year's DWC qualifying.
Matchday 1
Wilfried Dah put the group's bottom seeds Burkina Faso into an early surprise lead against Sudan, and in the dying moments of the game Sinali Béré rampaged up from right back to double the lead. Sudan still had time to get one of their own, but they couldn't prevent a 2-1 loss. Meanwhile, Mozambique's back three excelled as they held out Gabon for a 0-0 draw.
Group A (Gabon, Sudan, Mozambique, Burkina Faso)
With all four teams here never really getting that close to DWC qualification, this feels like a fairly even group - a kind of opposite Group of Death. Generally North African teams do well, and Sudan are a capable team, but Gabon are top seeds after making the African play-offs in this year's DWC qualifying.
Matchday 1
Wilfried Dah put the group's bottom seeds Burkina Faso into an early surprise lead against Sudan, and in the dying moments of the game Sinali Béré rampaged up from right back to double the lead. Sudan still had time to get one of their own, but they couldn't prevent a 2-1 loss. Meanwhile, Mozambique's back three excelled as they held out Gabon for a 0-0 draw.
Matchday 2
It's fair to say that Mozambique's defence did slightly less well against Sudan, as they found themselves six behind at half time. Sudan added a couple more for a thrilling 8-0 win. Burkina Faso had the chance to qualify early, and they started in the ideal way against Gabon with a 12th minute goal. However, they were cruelly hit with a late double blow, as first Cédric Moubamba poked Gabon level, and then Jerry Obiang scored a freak goal following a goalmouth scramble from a corner. That 2-1 win put Gabon top of the group with one game to go.
Matchday 3
For all four teams, a win in the final match would almost certainly secure qualification. Burkina Faso ensured their progression at the second time of asking as Moussa Yedan's fine volley saw them beat Mozambique 1-0. This meant only one of Gabon or Sudan could qualify automatically - although whoever lost would still be highly likely to go through in 3rd. A tight game was settled just before the hour mark when Solomon Jabason put away a penalty to earn Sudan a 1-0 win. They top the group on goal difference, whilst 4 points should see Gabon through comfortably.
It's fair to say that Mozambique's defence did slightly less well against Sudan, as they found themselves six behind at half time. Sudan added a couple more for a thrilling 8-0 win. Burkina Faso had the chance to qualify early, and they started in the ideal way against Gabon with a 12th minute goal. However, they were cruelly hit with a late double blow, as first Cédric Moubamba poked Gabon level, and then Jerry Obiang scored a freak goal following a goalmouth scramble from a corner. That 2-1 win put Gabon top of the group with one game to go.
Matchday 3
For all four teams, a win in the final match would almost certainly secure qualification. Burkina Faso ensured their progression at the second time of asking as Moussa Yedan's fine volley saw them beat Mozambique 1-0. This meant only one of Gabon or Sudan could qualify automatically - although whoever lost would still be highly likely to go through in 3rd. A tight game was settled just before the hour mark when Solomon Jabason put away a penalty to earn Sudan a 1-0 win. They top the group on goal difference, whilst 4 points should see Gabon through comfortably.
Group B (Nigeria, Cameroon, Guinea, Kenya)
Nigeria and Cameroon are two teams that have improved in DWC-world after the rules changed to give them greater access to players of their nationality who are out of contract. Nigeria made their DWC debut last year coming through the African and Intercontinental play-offs, and have qualified again. Cameroon and Kenya made it as far as the African play-offs, but fell short.
Matchday 1
Aboubakar Oumarou's rebound saw Cameroon go ahead against Guinea late in the first half, and Daniel Ndi's fearsome strike sealed a 2-0 win. Meanwhile, Nigeria played some gorgeous football as they beat Kenya 5-1.
Nigeria and Cameroon are two teams that have improved in DWC-world after the rules changed to give them greater access to players of their nationality who are out of contract. Nigeria made their DWC debut last year coming through the African and Intercontinental play-offs, and have qualified again. Cameroon and Kenya made it as far as the African play-offs, but fell short.
Matchday 1
Aboubakar Oumarou's rebound saw Cameroon go ahead against Guinea late in the first half, and Daniel Ndi's fearsome strike sealed a 2-0 win. Meanwhile, Nigeria played some gorgeous football as they beat Kenya 5-1.
Matchday 2
Nigeria continued to shine as they dismantled Guinea to win 7-0, with braces for Victor Anichebe and Chibuzor Okonkwo. Should Cameroon beat Kenya, they would secure qualification for both them and Nigeria. However, Jockins Atudo's header put Kenya ahead, and they held out for a win which arguably made the favourites to join Nigeria in the next round.
Matchday 3
Nigeria completed a fantastic group stage with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, Nosa Igiebor amd Ikechukwu Uche scoring from first half corners. This left Kenya needing a point for qualification. They struggled against Guinea, with their opponents having 60% possession and the majority of shots. However, Guinea lost Richard Soumah to a red card in the 65th minute, and lost Ibrahima Sory Bangoura to another one late on. This didn't help their cause of getting their first win, and the game finished 0-0, sending Kenya through and leaving Cameroon in limbo as they wait to see if their performance will see them through.
Nigeria continued to shine as they dismantled Guinea to win 7-0, with braces for Victor Anichebe and Chibuzor Okonkwo. Should Cameroon beat Kenya, they would secure qualification for both them and Nigeria. However, Jockins Atudo's header put Kenya ahead, and they held out for a win which arguably made the favourites to join Nigeria in the next round.
Matchday 3
Nigeria completed a fantastic group stage with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, Nosa Igiebor amd Ikechukwu Uche scoring from first half corners. This left Kenya needing a point for qualification. They struggled against Guinea, with their opponents having 60% possession and the majority of shots. However, Guinea lost Richard Soumah to a red card in the 65th minute, and lost Ibrahima Sory Bangoura to another one late on. This didn't help their cause of getting their first win, and the game finished 0-0, sending Kenya through and leaving Cameroon in limbo as they wait to see if their performance will see them through.
Group C (Egypt, Senegal, Cape Verde, Réunion)
Egypt are one of the teams that are consistently near the top of African DWC football. Like Nigeria in Group B, they made their debut last year and have qualified again this time round. The other three teams have not been near qualification, and so may face a good battle for qualification from this group.
Matchday 1
Egypt got off to a good start as Shikabala's volley put them ahead against Senegal. It got better as Senegal's Chiekh Ndoye was sent off, but they still found a way to get level as Abdallah N'Dour smashed in a volley from a difficult angle. However, Egypt were able to pull away in the second half with goals from Ali Gabr and Amor Layouni, and a second Senegal red card - this time for Mouhamadou Dabo - extinguished any hopes of a comeback, 3-1 the final score. Meanwhile, Cape Verde claimed a 1-0 win over Réunion thanks to Eliseu's early penalty.
Egypt are one of the teams that are consistently near the top of African DWC football. Like Nigeria in Group B, they made their debut last year and have qualified again this time round. The other three teams have not been near qualification, and so may face a good battle for qualification from this group.
Matchday 1
Egypt got off to a good start as Shikabala's volley put them ahead against Senegal. It got better as Senegal's Chiekh Ndoye was sent off, but they still found a way to get level as Abdallah N'Dour smashed in a volley from a difficult angle. However, Egypt were able to pull away in the second half with goals from Ali Gabr and Amor Layouni, and a second Senegal red card - this time for Mouhamadou Dabo - extinguished any hopes of a comeback, 3-1 the final score. Meanwhile, Cape Verde claimed a 1-0 win over Réunion thanks to Eliseu's early penalty.
Matchday 2
Senegal bounced back to overcome Réunion 2-0 thanks to a Babá brace. This gave Egypt the chance for early qualification, and they took it with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Cape Verde.
Matchday 3
Réunion finished with something to cheer as they frustrated Egypt for a 0-0 draw. But the obvious match of the round was that between Cape Verde and Senegal, with the latter just needing a point for qualification. However, they fell behind as Nuno Rocha scrambled Cape Verde ahead, and his side held out fairly comfortably for a 1-0 win that puts them through to the last 16. A by-product of this result is that Gabon are now confirmed as through, too.
Senegal bounced back to overcome Réunion 2-0 thanks to a Babá brace. This gave Egypt the chance for early qualification, and they took it with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Cape Verde.
Matchday 3
Réunion finished with something to cheer as they frustrated Egypt for a 0-0 draw. But the obvious match of the round was that between Cape Verde and Senegal, with the latter just needing a point for qualification. However, they fell behind as Nuno Rocha scrambled Cape Verde ahead, and his side held out fairly comfortably for a 1-0 win that puts them through to the last 16. A by-product of this result is that Gabon are now confirmed as through, too.
Group D (Tunisia, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea)
Tunisia are another strong North African team. They made the 2018 DWC and will be in this year's, and did very well in the Nations Cup. Ghana were also in the 2018 DWC, but have faded quite a bit since. This might open the door to the other teams in this group. Amazingly, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea were all in the same qualifying group this year, with Ghana finishing in 2nd behind group winners Egypt.
Matchday 1
Tunisia laid down a marker for the tournament by comprehensively beating Ghana 3-0. In the match between the group's two lowest-ranked sides, Equatorial Guinea struck first through Danny Quendambú's first-time strike, but Zimbabwe equalised when Wisdom Mutasa curled a fine effort in from the edge of the box. Again, Equatorial Guinea went ahead, this time with a Jimmy Bermúdez header, and once again Zimbabwe equalised with a long shot, as Peter Moyo earned his team a 2-2 draw.
Tunisia are another strong North African team. They made the 2018 DWC and will be in this year's, and did very well in the Nations Cup. Ghana were also in the 2018 DWC, but have faded quite a bit since. This might open the door to the other teams in this group. Amazingly, Ghana, Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea were all in the same qualifying group this year, with Ghana finishing in 2nd behind group winners Egypt.
Matchday 1
Tunisia laid down a marker for the tournament by comprehensively beating Ghana 3-0. In the match between the group's two lowest-ranked sides, Equatorial Guinea struck first through Danny Quendambú's first-time strike, but Zimbabwe equalised when Wisdom Mutasa curled a fine effort in from the edge of the box. Again, Equatorial Guinea went ahead, this time with a Jimmy Bermúdez header, and once again Zimbabwe equalised with a long shot, as Peter Moyo earned his team a 2-2 draw.
Matchday 2
Tunisia secured a remarkably quick and efficient qualification as they overcame Equatorial Guinea 2-0. Ghana hauled themselves up into second by beating Zimbabwe with a single Emmanuel Oti Essigba goal.
Matchday 3
To join Tunisia in the next round, Ghana had to beat Equatorial Guinea. They took the lead through a fine low Sulley Muntari shot, and doubled their advantage late on when Nathaniel Asamoah headed in. Equatorial Guinea gave themselves some hope when Canela ran the length of the pitch to get one back, but Ghana held out for a 2-1 win. This meant Zimbabwe needed anything better than a 2-goal loss against Tunisia to finish 3rd, and they did so by holding out for a 0-0 draw. However, a 2-point haul is unlikely to be enough to see them through as one of the 3rd-placed teams.
Tunisia secured a remarkably quick and efficient qualification as they overcame Equatorial Guinea 2-0. Ghana hauled themselves up into second by beating Zimbabwe with a single Emmanuel Oti Essigba goal.
Matchday 3
To join Tunisia in the next round, Ghana had to beat Equatorial Guinea. They took the lead through a fine low Sulley Muntari shot, and doubled their advantage late on when Nathaniel Asamoah headed in. Equatorial Guinea gave themselves some hope when Canela ran the length of the pitch to get one back, but Ghana held out for a 2-1 win. This meant Zimbabwe needed anything better than a 2-goal loss against Tunisia to finish 3rd, and they did so by holding out for a 0-0 draw. However, a 2-point haul is unlikely to be enough to see them through as one of the 3rd-placed teams.
Group E (South Africa, Congo, Angola, Burundi)
South Africa start this tournament as favourites. Ever since DWC-world expanded to cover (almost) all teams, they have consistently been the highest-ranked African side, and have made every DWC. However, this year showed a significant chink in their armour, as they finished behind Ivory Coast in their qualifying group. They still went through via the Intercontinental play-off, but it gives a lot of hope for their three opponents here.
Matchday 1
South Africa started with a bang, scoring after 34 seconds of their game against Burundi, and they went on to complete a 4-0 win. Not to be outdone, Congo smashed Angola 5-0.
Matchday 2
A second win would be enough for qualification to the next round, so it was up for grabs as the two winners from the previous round of games met. Congo continued their lethal form as Fodé Doré made the most of a defensive mix-up to score, but South Africa were level in bizarre fashion as Congo goalkeeper Lutunu Doulé belted the ball straight into Hlompho Kekana and it ricocheted into the goal. This proved to be a turning point as Khama Billiat headed South Africa ahead soon, and Tiyani Mabunda lashed in a fantastic long effort to seal a 3-1 victory. Meanwhile, Angola beat Burundi 2-0 to draw level on points with Congo.
South Africa start this tournament as favourites. Ever since DWC-world expanded to cover (almost) all teams, they have consistently been the highest-ranked African side, and have made every DWC. However, this year showed a significant chink in their armour, as they finished behind Ivory Coast in their qualifying group. They still went through via the Intercontinental play-off, but it gives a lot of hope for their three opponents here.
Matchday 1
South Africa started with a bang, scoring after 34 seconds of their game against Burundi, and they went on to complete a 4-0 win. Not to be outdone, Congo smashed Angola 5-0.
Matchday 2
A second win would be enough for qualification to the next round, so it was up for grabs as the two winners from the previous round of games met. Congo continued their lethal form as Fodé Doré made the most of a defensive mix-up to score, but South Africa were level in bizarre fashion as Congo goalkeeper Lutunu Doulé belted the ball straight into Hlompho Kekana and it ricocheted into the goal. This proved to be a turning point as Khama Billiat headed South Africa ahead soon, and Tiyani Mabunda lashed in a fantastic long effort to seal a 3-1 victory. Meanwhile, Angola beat Burundi 2-0 to draw level on points with Congo.
Matchday 3
South Africa completed a perfect group stage as Mauricio Affonso headed in the only goal against Angola. Goal difference meant that Congo were almost certain to go through, and they confirmed it by beating Burundi 2-0, consigning their opponents to being the first team in this tournament to finish on 0 points.
South Africa completed a perfect group stage as Mauricio Affonso headed in the only goal against Angola. Goal difference meant that Congo were almost certain to go through, and they confirmed it by beating Burundi 2-0, consigning their opponents to being the first team in this tournament to finish on 0 points.
Group F (Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Mauritania)
The story here is Mauritania, who were the only team to qualify for the finals despite being ranked bottom in the group. Algeria and Ivory Coast are both through to this year's DWC, with Algeria also contesting last year's event. They are strong favourites here, with Ethiopia failing to get to the final round of DWC qualifying in each of the last two years.
Matchday 1
Mauritania were handed a tough start, up against the group's top seeds Algeria. They acquitted themselves well, but ultimately lost 1-0 to a Yannis Tafer penalty. Ivory Coast were more comfortable against Ethiopia as they found themselves two ahead at the break. Ethiopia did come back into it as Salahuddin Said scored a poacher's effort, but Ivory Coast secured a 3-1 win when Issac Koné lashed one into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Matchday 2
Poor old Mauritania. Again, they do well against a favourite - this time Ivory Coast - and again they lose to a solitary penalty. Speaking of penalties, Tafer scored another to set Algeria on the path to a 5-0 victory over a hapless Ethiopia. Two wins from two means that both Algeria and Ivory Coast are through with a game to spare.
Matchday 3
3 points are needed to qualify in 3rd place, so a win might be enough for both Ethiopia and Mauritania as they met in their final game. Ethiopia went on to claim the win, but a 2-0 triumph wasn't enough to earn their place in the next round, it just served to leave Mauritania with nothing for their valiant efforts. Meanwhile, the other two met to decide who wins the group. Mohamed Messaoud thumped Algeria into the lead with a powerful header, and Abdelmoumene Djabou and Amine Aoudia made it 3-0 by the 24th minute, and that's the way it stayed.
The story here is Mauritania, who were the only team to qualify for the finals despite being ranked bottom in the group. Algeria and Ivory Coast are both through to this year's DWC, with Algeria also contesting last year's event. They are strong favourites here, with Ethiopia failing to get to the final round of DWC qualifying in each of the last two years.
Matchday 1
Mauritania were handed a tough start, up against the group's top seeds Algeria. They acquitted themselves well, but ultimately lost 1-0 to a Yannis Tafer penalty. Ivory Coast were more comfortable against Ethiopia as they found themselves two ahead at the break. Ethiopia did come back into it as Salahuddin Said scored a poacher's effort, but Ivory Coast secured a 3-1 win when Issac Koné lashed one into the top corner from the edge of the box.
Matchday 2
Poor old Mauritania. Again, they do well against a favourite - this time Ivory Coast - and again they lose to a solitary penalty. Speaking of penalties, Tafer scored another to set Algeria on the path to a 5-0 victory over a hapless Ethiopia. Two wins from two means that both Algeria and Ivory Coast are through with a game to spare.
Matchday 3
3 points are needed to qualify in 3rd place, so a win might be enough for both Ethiopia and Mauritania as they met in their final game. Ethiopia went on to claim the win, but a 2-0 triumph wasn't enough to earn their place in the next round, it just served to leave Mauritania with nothing for their valiant efforts. Meanwhile, the other two met to decide who wins the group. Mohamed Messaoud thumped Algeria into the lead with a powerful header, and Abdelmoumene Djabou and Amine Aoudia made it 3-0 by the 24th minute, and that's the way it stayed.
Ethiopia's failure to find a third goal against Mauritania means that Angola complete the line-up in the knockout stages:
8 teams are gone, 16 remain. Next time we're just going to go through the Round of 16.