Victor Osimhen’s late equaliser against Benin confirmed Nigeria’s place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), while Tunisia also clinched qualification with a dramatic 3-2 win over Madagascar. Despite not playing on Thursday, South Africa, Gabon, and Uganda also secured spots in the 24-nation tournament, which will begin in Morocco on December 21, 2025.
In Abidjan, reigning African Footballer of the Year Osimhen scored nine minutes from time to salvage a 1-1 draw, pushing Nigeria to the top of Group D with 11 points and guaranteeing their qualification. Benin, who had taken the lead through Mohamed Tijani in the 16th minute, remain in contention for the second qualifying place alongside Rwanda and Libya.
In other Group D action, Libya kept their hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda, courtesy of a late goal from Fahd Mohamed.
Elsewhere, South Sudan’s thrilling 3-2 comeback against Congo Brazzaville ensured Uganda and South Africa’s progress from Group K. Despite going down to 10 men, Congo could not hold off South Sudan, who clinched the victory with a late goal from substitute Data Elly.
In Group A, Ali al Abdi’s stoppage-time goal sealed a hard-fought 3-2 win for 10-man Tunisia over Madagascar, securing Tunisia’s qualification. Madagascar, who have now gone winless in 15 AFCON qualifiers, remain in the hunt, with Comoros vying for the second qualifying spot when they face Gambia on Friday.
Sudan missed a qualification opportunity, succumbing to a heavy 4-0 defeat by Niger. Now, Ghana has a chance to qualify if they beat Angola and Niger in their upcoming fixtures while hoping for Sudan to lose.
Senegal also claimed a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso, courtesy of Habib Diarra’s late goal, ending Burkina Faso’s unbeaten run in Group L.
With seven teams potentially qualifying in Friday’s fixtures, only two spots would remain unclaimed. Guinea could take one if they beat DR Congo on Saturday, while Benin, Rwanda, or Libya will secure the final berth.
Teams already qualified include Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, with Morocco automatically in as hosts.
