Egypt, Sudan, Côte d’Ivoire, Tunisia, and Morocco are currently sitting pretty at the top of their groups, but traditional powerhouses like Nigeria and Ghana are under the cosh and facing immense pressure.
Egypt is firing on all cylinders in Group A, boasting an unbeaten record and a comfortable four-point lead at the top. The Pharaohs are the team to beat, with Mohamed Salah leading the charge in blistering form. The Liverpool star is the top scorer in the qualifying round with five goals, and Egypt will be hoping he carries his rich vein of form into games against Ethiopia and Sierra Leone.
The Pharos will look to strengthen their grip on top spot with an away match against Ethiopia before hosting Sierra Leone.
Guinea-Bissau, who held Egypt to ransom with a 1-1 draw, continue to push for second place.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso must take maximum points against Djibouti to stay in contention for a second place finish after a slow start.
A thrilling showdown is on the cards in Group B as Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan and Senegal, both in scintillating form, go head-to-head.
Senegal, led by captain Sadio Mane, are unbeaten but under pressure, trailing Sudan by two points.
Kwesi Appiah’s contingent is riding high after a stunning start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and will be hoping to keep the fairy tale alive.
Their crunch clash with Senegal could be the group decider.
Meanwhile, DR Congo, despite early jitters, still have a glimmer of hope with must-win matches against South Sudan and Mauritania.
Togo, yet to get off the mark, will be hoping to turn their fortunes around when they face Mauritania.
