snl24.com/kickoff looks at the big World Cup qualifiers to look out for on the African continent this weekend.
FRIDAY
Cape Verde vs South Africa
Stuart Baxter’s Bafana Bafana side is in Praia for an important clash against Cape Verde, who are without a point in Group D. Cape Verde were beaten 2-0 by Burkina Faso in Praia but they cannot be underestimated. Bafana, in second place on four points, need to build on their good start in the campaign and get maximum points to put themselves in a good position to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2002.
Nigeria vs Cameroon
The Super Eagles host African champions Cameroon in Uyo on Friday, eager to extend their lead at the top of Group B. Nigeria are on six points, four ahead of the second-placed Indomitable Lions and they can increase their chances of qualifying for the World Cup in Russia by winning today. Nigeria hammered Algeria 3-1 in their last home game and will be looking for more of the same.
Tunisia vs DR Congo
Both countries go into this clash joint-top of the table on six points, so expect an exciting encounter. Tunisia, who are the hosts of this clash in Rades, are yet to concede in the group phase after two matches, so the DRC’s attacking players need to work hard to find a chink in the opposition armour. DRC have certainly shown that they can bang in the goals, scoring six goals in their two matches thus far.
Morocco vs Mali
Morocco, who are yet to score or concede in the group phase, take on West Africans Mali who are bottom of Group C on one point. After dropping two points in their last home game against Ivory Coast, the Moroccans will no doubt be gunning for their first victory. Mali have conceded three goals in the group phase, so Morocco will be looking to break down that defense.
Ghana vs Congo
At the moment, Ghana look set to miss out on the World Cup for the first time since 2006. The Black Stars have collected just one point in two matches and are currently six points behind Group E leaders Uganda. They can all but kiss their chances of playing in Russia next year goodbye if they do not beat Congo at home.
SATURDAY
Zambia vs Algeria
Zambia are one of two Southern African countries still left in the qualifiers and they cannot afford to drop any more points in their remaining four matches. They are in third place on one point, five behind leaders Nigeria. Chipolopolo were beaten 2-1 at home by Nigeria and need to improve to overcome an Algerian side that has qualified for the last two World Cups.
Senegal vs Burkina Faso
This is a game South Africans will take interest in because these countries are in the same group with Bafana. Senegal still feel they were hard done by in their 2-1 defeat to Bafana last year, so they will be out to get their campaign back on track. They’ve got a top squad capable of collecting maximum points against the Stallions, but it won't be a walk in the park. Burkina Faso know how to fight for results, so they will give Senegal a run for their money.