Cameroon and Algeria secure spots in the Africa Cup of Nations finals

Five-time champions Cameroon and the 2019 titleholders Algeria have secured their spots in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco following their qualifying victories on Monday, increasing the total number of confirmed teams to four.

Cameroon triumphed over Kenya with a score of 1-0, thanks to Boris Enow, who scored the sole goal of the match in neutral Kampala. Meanwhile, Algeria's Ramy Bensebaini converted a penalty in the first half to secure a win against Togo in Lome.

Enow executed a low free-kick from just outside the penalty area, showcasing Cameroon's dominance throughout the match. This victory was achieved despite the absence of their federation president, Samuel Eto’o, who is currently serving a six-month ban from stadiums imposed by FIFA.

With this win, Cameroon has accumulated 10 points from four matches in their group, ensuring they will finish in the top two, which guarantees a place in the 24-team finals.

Algeria, on the other hand, has achieved a perfect record of 12 points from four games. Bensebaini's penalty at the 18-minute mark gave them an early lead, although they faced significant pressure from Togo, who created several opportunities to equalize.

Cameroon and Algeria now join the host nation and Burkina Faso as the four teams confirmed for the finals thus far.

In another match, Zimbabwe strengthened their position in their group with a 3-1 victory over Namibia in neutral Johannesburg, bringing their total to eight points, four ahead of third-placed Kenya with two matches remaining, one of which will be against Kenya at home next month.

Walter Musona scored twice, including one from the penalty spot, while Prince Dube added another goal.

Equatorial Guinea is currently five points clear in second place in their group after a 2-1 win against Liberia in Monrovia. Luis Asue opened the scoring early, but William Gibson equalized for Liberia. Just as it seemed the match would end in a draw, Dorian Hanza scored a dramatic winner in the 94th minute.

Musa Barrow netted the crucial goal for Gambia in their 1-0 win over Madagascar, redeeming himself after missing a penalty earlier in the match.

Gambia has ascended to the second position in their group, surpassing Comoros based on the head-to-head record, although they have played one additional match.

In Nelspruit, Mozambique claimed the top spot in their group following a 3-0 victory against Eswatini, with the opening goal scored by the 40-year-old winger Domingues.

They now hold a five-point advantage over third-placed Guinea Bissau, who are set to face Mali on Tuesday.