The Algerian national team secured qualification for the 2023 AFCON set to be held in 2024 in Ivory Coast after beating Niger 1-0 on Monday evening to take their points tally to 12 points in four games.

The 2019 champions, who beat the Nigeriens twice in four days after securing a 2-1 win in the first leg over the weekend this time around, needed a solitary goal from Baghdad Bounedjah in the nineteenth minute enough to see them through to next year’s tournament.

With 12 points on the table, Monday’s result meant that the Niger Republic would not be able to overtake Algeria even if they win their remaining two matches in the qualifiers. The Nigeriens have two points in third position and two points behind second-place Tanzania.

Elsewhere, Nigeria would have secured a qualification if they won both of their doubleheaders against Guinea Bissau, but after a shock 1-0 loss in Abuja to Guinea Bissau on Friday, the Super Eagles knew that anything but a win would mean danger for their chances of qualifying for the African, especially after Sierra Leone’s 2-0 victory over Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday.

Jose Peseirro’s side was not entirely inspiring, but they dominated the encounter away from home and could only get their winning goal from the penalty spot after 30 minutes of play.

Fenerbahce midfielder Bright Osayi-Samuel drove his way into the box and was hacked down by one of the Guinea Bissau defenders as the referee pointed to the spot. Moses Simon stepped up and dispatched the penalty to earn the win for the Super Eagles.

The win puts Nigeria back at the top of the table with 9 points, the head of Guinea-Bissau and three above Sierra Leone in third. Nigeria must get three points from their remaining two games, and their next fixture is against Sierra Leone in June.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu