By Mangek Promise
The Indomitable Lions will on Tuesday 12 September 2023 play their last qualifying game for AFCON 2023 against Burundi in Garoua.
The results will be highly expected as it will determine who qualifies from the group. Any team that wins in Garoua on the 12 will automatically qualify alongside Namibia but a draw will bring in a lot of mathematics.
Group C is one of three pools in which both qualifying spots are still to be determined. Although Namibia currently lead, they'll be anxiously hoping the match in Cameroon suits their purposes. Having qualified only twice this century, the Brave Warriors will go through should there be a winner in Garoua - with Cameroon or Burundi able to guarantee qualification that way.
A draw could also be enough to take Namibia, who have the most goals in the group, through - since the three teams left after Kenya's disqualification would then finish level on points. Their goal difference is 6-6, Burundi's 4-4 and Cameroon's 3-3 - meaning that a low-scoring draw could eliminate the Indomitable Lions while a high-scoring draw could end Namibian hopes. Both Cameroon and Burundi have a golden opportunity to secure their qualification if they emerge victorious in this crucial encounter.
The stakes could not be higher as the Brave Warriors of Namibia eagerly await the outcome, hoping for a favourable result that could pave their way to glory. While a draw could potentially secure Namibia’s spot in the next round, it would be largely dependent on the number of goals scored by both Cameroon and Burundi.
If this match ends in a draw, it would create a level playing field for the remaining three teams after Kenya’s unfortunate disqualification. The tension is palpable as these teams hope for a coveted spot in the next stage.
Nine places are still up for grabs when the final round of qualifying matches for next year's Africa Cup of Nations take place in September.
A total of 15 countries are already guaranteed a berth, including Ivory Coast, who qualify automatically as hosts. The 2024 tournament will begin with the opening match at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on 13 January 2024. The final will take place on 11 February.