"The draw was kind on us because we managed to avoid the big names. Even so, there’s only one place available and we can’t afford any slip-ups,” Mali coach Alain Giresse.
Algeria will remain hopeful of a second successive FIFA World Cup finals after their Group H draw, but they will need to remain consistent with Mali ready to pounce and Benin hoping to spring a surprise.
Continental giants Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire were handed tough-looking tasks on the path to Brazil 2014, while the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts South Africa have a regional derby on their hands against Botswana.
Tunisia's Esperance overcame rivals Al Ahly on away goals to earn a spot in the CAF Champions League final against DR Congo's TP Mazembe Englebert.
The semi-finals of Africa's top club competition conclude this weekend with tough away legs looming for Al Ahly and defending champions TP Mazembe.
The final group stage of the CAF Champions League continues this weekend as three previous champions all look to build on away wins in the previous round.
