"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.
The Cup of Nations was a showcase for players seemingly on the cusp of greatness. We look at Egypt’s Gedo and a few other stars in the making.
Egypt beat Mozambique to secure a place in the last eight of the Cup of Nations in Angola, while Nigeria outlasted a tough challenge from Benin.
The Indomitable Lions and the Super Eagles booked their places at South Africa 2010, while Egypt and Algeria face play-off on Wednesday.
Algeria or Egypt? Cameroon or Gabon? Tunisia or Nigeria? A dramatic conclusion ensues as Africa's last three places at the FIFA World Cup are seized.
