AFCON 2021 – Tunisia, Mali Qualify

Tunisia and Mali have qualified for the 2021 Total Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is scheduled to take place in Cameroon next year. 

They will join former finalists Senegal and Algeria, as well as the hosts Cameroon.  

Tunisia secured qualification following a 1-1 draw with Tanzania yesterday. Meanwhile, Mali won its place after a 2-1 victory away to Namibia. 

Zambia’s hopes of qualification took a hit this week when the Chipolopolo side suffered a 1-0 loss to Botswana in the latest round of Group H matches. The defeat in Francistown, Botswana, followed a victory in the home leg.  

Meanwhile, defending champions Algeria secured its place at next year’s tournament despite dropping its two goal lead to Zimbabwe and finishing up with a draw. At the end of Monday’s fixtures Algeria finished on 10 points, while Zimbabwe was second in the group on 5 points. Botswana is now third on four points with Zambia on three.

Following Monday’s match Sports Minister Emmanuel Mulenga counselled the team that it was not yet the end of the road and that there was still room for hope.  

Zambia has a tough path ahead to qualification, with two matches left to play against Algeria at home and Zimbabwe away yet to play.