JOHANNESBURG Egypt and Senegal qualified Saturday for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon after 20 away victories over Tanzania and Burundi respectively.
Roma striker Mohamed Salah scored in each half for the Egyptian Pharaohs in Dar es Salaam.
The Egyptians are back in the biennial African football showcase after failing to qualify for the last three tournaments having won the previous three.
English Premier League pair Sadio Mane of Southampton and Mame Biram Diouf of Stoke City were the scorers for the Senegalese Teranga Lions.
Senegal are seeking a first Cup of Nations title after coming closest in 2002 when they lost the final against Cameroon after a penalty shootout.
The latest two qualifiers join Algeria and Morocco in securing places at the January 21February 12 tournament while Gabon are automatic participants as hosts.
Egypt topped Group G with 10 points from a possible 12 the points they dropped were away to Nigeria in a 11 draw.
Nigeria have two points and Tanzania one ahead of a September clash in West Africa to decide who finishes second.
Cashstrapped Chad withdrew halfway through the competition having lost to each of their three rivals.
Senegal are the only country with a perfect record the Group K victory over Burundi in Bujumbura was the fifth in a row in a section completed by Namibia and Niger.
Salah curled a freekick round a wall and past goalkeeper Deogratius Munish to put Egypt ahead as halftime approached.
He picked up an Abdallah El Said pass and held off a defender to double the lead midway through the second half.
Mane rounded the Burundi goalkeeper and calmly stroked the ball into the net to give Senegal an early lead.
Diouf scored late in the opening half, firing home from close range after a freekick was not cleared.
GuineaBissau bolstered chances of a first Cup of Nations appearance by snatching a dramatic 32 home win over 2012 champions Zambia.
A defensive mistake allowed Brito to race through and beat veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene six minutes into stoppage time for the winner.
It was a heartbreaking ending for Zambia, who came from behind twice at a packed 20,000capacity national stadium in Bissau.
GuineaBissau have 10 points in Group E, four more than Zambia and Congo Brazzaville, who play Kenya in Nairobi Sunday.
Uganda, who have not qualified for the African tournament since 1978, won 21 in Botswana to go three points clear at the top of Group D.
Luwagga Kizito gave the visitors an early lead and Onkabetse Makgantsi levelled soon after halftime.
Botswana supporters were still celebrating the equaliser in northeastern city Francistown when Khalid Aucho snatched the winner.
Burkina Faso, who trail Uganda by three points, will regain first place if they win in the Comoros Sunday.
A couple of thunderbolt goals from winger Keagan Dolly highlighted a 40 win for South Africa over hosts Gambia in Group M, which has already been won by Cameroon.
A further nine qualifiers are scheduled for Sunday. NampaAFP
In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.
The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.
Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for
only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!
