Cameroon Edge Gambia, Algeria Stumble, Group E Rac...

Cameroon Edge Gambia, Algeria Stumble, Group E Races for the Finish Line

Philemon Jambaya

Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions roared back from two goals down to snatch a thrilling 3-2 victory over Gambia and secure their place in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16. Christopher Wooh’s last-gasp winner capped a dramatic come-back, leaving Gambian hearts shattered after Ebrima Colley’s 85th-minute strike seemed to have secured their passage.

The Indomitable Lions weren’t the only ones delivering late magic. Senegal, already through, maintained their perfect record with a 2-0 win over Guinea, while Mauritania caused a major upset by dethroning two-time champions Algeria 1-0. This shock result, Mauritania’s first Afcon win ever, wasn’t enough to propel them further, as Angola and Burkina Faso grabbed the Group D qualification spots.

All eyes now turn to Group E, where the battle for qualification reaches fever pitch. Namibia and Mali square off at 7pm, with only the winner guaranteed a place in the next round. A draw sends Mali through, but Namibia will need other results to go their way to sneak in as a lucky third-placed team. South Africa and Tunisia face off in the other crucial match, where a draw might suffice for South Africa if other results fall in their favour, while Tunisia needs a win to seal their fate.

Group F wraps up the day’s drama with another set of nail-biting encounters. Morocco, perched on four points, needs just a draw against Zambia to advance, while their opponents require a victory to progress. The other clash pits Tanzania against DR Congo, with the winner grabbing the final qualification slot if South Africa stumbles against Tunisia.

With several teams on the brink and qualification fortunes hanging in the balance, the final round of group stage matches promises electrifying clashes, nail-biting finishes, and heartbreak and elation in equal measure. Who will rise to the occasion and book their ticket to the Afcon knockout stages? Stay tuned for an unforgettable finale.