Sudan and Benin secured their spots at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday, while Rwanda faced heartbreak despite a stunning 2-1 victory over Nigeria.
Sudan, playing all qualifiers abroad due to ongoing civil war, drew 0-0 with Angola to finish second in Group F behind Angola. Their eight-point tally edged out Niger, who upset Ghana 2-1 in Accra.
In Group D, Benin advanced on head-to-head advantage after a 0-0 draw with Libya in Tripoli. Rwanda, despite shocking Nigeria with goals from Ange Mutsinzi and Innocent Nshuti, missed out after finishing level on points with Benin but losing on goal difference. Already qualified, Nigeria fielded a rotated squad against Rwanda. Substitute Samuel Chukwueze scored for Nigeria, but the Super Eagles couldn’t hold off Rwanda’s spirited comeback.
Four-time champions Ghana failed to qualify, becoming the biggest shock of the tournament after Niger’s dramatic late winner in Accra.
Morocco thrashed Lesotho 7-0, with Brahim Diaz netting a hat-trick, maintaining their perfect qualifying record. Gambia upset Tunisia 1-0 in Rades, though both teams had already secured qualification.
The final three spots for AFCON 2025 will be decided on Tuesday, with matchups in Groups C, H, and I determining the last qualifiers.
