AFCON2022Q: Algeria join Senegal to book AFCON spot

African Champions Algeria on Monday joined last year’s beaten finalists Senegal as the first two nations to book a spot at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be staged in Cameroon.

Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez scored as the Fennecs of Algeria drew 2-2 in Zimbabwe on Monday and became the third country to book a place at the biennial tournament.

Cameroon qualify automatically as hosts and Senegal secured a spot on Sunday by winning in Guinea-Bissau thanks to a Sadio Mane goal.

Andy Delort and captain Mahrez gave the Algerians a two-goal advantage in Harare that was halved just before half-time when Knowledge Musona netted.

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi took off Delort and Mahrez as he made five second-half substitutions within 12 minutes, but the bold move backfired when Prince Dube equalised eight minutes from time.

The stalemate put an end to Algeria’s 100% record in Group H having previously had a perfect three-win record but it still guaranteed them a top-two finish in a group that also has Zambia and Botswana.

Who joins the defending champions in Cameroon from Group H will probably be decided in the final round next March when Zimbabwe host Zambia.

Uganda lost 1-0 away to South Sudan and Burkina Faso drew 0-0 in Malawi to miss out on chances to qualify from Group A.

A couple of late goals from Percy Tau and Themba Zwane earned South Africa a 4-2 win over Sao Tome e Principe in Group C and Eswatini and Congo Brazzaville drew 0-0 in Group I.