2018 FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF)
Tournament details | |
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Dates | 7 October 2015 – 14 November 2017 |
Teams | 54 (from 1 confederation) |
Tournament statistics | |
Matches played | 86 |
Goals scored | 205 (2.38 per match) |
Attendance | 1,246,712 (14,497 per match) |
Top scorer(s) |
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() (4 goals each) |
Qualification for championships (CAF) |
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The African section of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification act as qualifiers for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, to be held in Russia, for national teams which are members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). A total of 5 slots in the final tournament are available for CAF teams.[1]
The CAF Executive Committee approved the format for the qualifiers of the 2018 FIFA World Cup on 14 January 2015,[2] with three preliminary rounds before a final group stage featuring 20 teams. The number of preliminary rounds was reduced to two, based on information provided by FIFA in early July 2015.[3][4]
Format
The qualification structure is as follows:[4][5]
- First round: A total of 26 teams (teams ranked 28–53) will play home-and-away over two legs. The 13 winners will advance to the second round.
- Second round: A total of 40 teams (teams ranked 1–27 and 13 first round winners) will play home-and-away over two legs. The 20 winners will advance to the third round.
- Third round: The 20 teams which advance from the second round will be divided into five groups of four teams to play home-and-away round-robin matches. The winners of each group will qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Entrants
All 54 FIFA-affiliated football associations from CAF entered qualification.[6] However, Zimbabwe were expelled from the competition on 12 March 2015 due to their failure to pay former coach José Claudinei a severance fee,[7] a decision that the Zimbabwe Football Association said they would appeal.[8]
The July 2015 FIFA Ranking were used to seed the teams for the first two rounds, both of which were drawn in Russia on 25 July 2015.[4] (World rankings shown in brackets)[9]
Bye to second round (Ranked 1st to 27th) |
Competing in first round (Ranked 28th to 53rd) |
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Note: Niger had to enter the first round as they had fewer FIFA ranking points (345.31) than Benin (345.46) and Libya (345.35). In the FIFA World Rankings, teams share the same ranking if their ranking points round to the same whole number.
Schedule
The schedule of the competition is as follows.[10]
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First round
The draw for the first round was held as part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw on 25 July 2015, starting 18:00 MSK (UTC+3), at the Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna, Saint Petersburg, Russia.[11]
Team 1 | Agg. | Team 2 | 1st leg | 2nd leg |
---|---|---|---|---|
Somalia ![]() |
0–6 | ![]() |
0–2 | 0–4 |
South Sudan ![]() |
1–5 | ![]() |
1–1 | 0–4 |
Gambia ![]() |
2–3 | ![]() |
1–1 | 1–2 |
São Tomé and Príncipe ![]() |
1–3 | ![]() |
1–0 | 0–3 |
Chad ![]() |
2–2 (a) | ![]() |
1–0 | 1–2 |
Comoros ![]() |
1–1 (a) | ![]() |
0–0 | 1–1 |
Djibouti ![]() |
1–8 | ![]() |
0–6 | 1–2 |
Eritrea ![]() |
1–5 | ![]() |
0–2 | 1–3 |
Seychelles ![]() |
0–3 | ![]() |
0–1 | 0–2 |
Liberia ![]() |
4–2 | ![]() |
1–1 | 3–1 |
Central African Republic ![]() |
2–5 | ![]() |
0–3 | 2–2 |
Mauritius ![]() |
2–5 | ![]() |
2–5 | 0–0 |
Tanzania ![]() |
2–1 | ![]() |
2–0 | 0–1 |
Second round
The draw for the second round was held as part of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Preliminary Draw on 25 July 2015, starting 18:00 MSK (UTC+3), at the Konstantinovsky Palace in Strelna, Saint Petersburg, Russia.[11]
Team 1 | Agg. | Team 2 | 1st leg | 2nd leg |
---|---|---|---|---|
Niger ![]() |
0–3 | ![]() |
0–3 | 0–0 |
Mauritania ![]() |
2–4 | ![]() |
1–2 | 1–2 |
Namibia ![]() |
0–3 | ![]() |
0–1 | 0–2 |
Ethiopia ![]() |
4–6 | ![]() |
3–4 | 1–2 |
Chad ![]() |
1–4 | ![]() |
1–0 | 0–4 |
Comoros ![]() |
0–2 | ![]() |
0–0 | 0–2 |
Swaziland ![]() |
0–2 | ![]() |
0–0 | 0–2 |
Botswana ![]() |
2–3 | ![]() |
2–1 | 0–2 |
Burundi ![]() |
2–6 | ![]() |
2–3 | 0–3[note 1] |
Liberia ![]() |
0–4 | ![]() |
0–1 | 0–3 |
Madagascar ![]() |
2–5 | ![]() |
2–2 | 0–3 |
Kenya ![]() |
1–2 | ![]() |
1–0 | 0–2 |
Tanzania ![]() |
2–9 | ![]() |
2–2 | 0–7 |
Sudan ![]() |
0–3 | ![]() |
0–1 | 0–2 |
Libya ![]() |
4–1 | ![]() |
1–0 | 3–1 |
Morocco ![]() |
2–1 | ![]() |
2–0 | 0–1 |
Mozambique ![]() |
1–1 (3–4 p) | ![]() |
1–0 | 0–1 (a.e.t.) |
Benin ![]() |
2–3 | ![]() |
2–1 | 0–2 |
Togo ![]() |
0–4 | ![]() |
0–1 | 0–3 |
Angola ![]() |
1–4 | ![]() |
1–3 | 0–1 |
Third round
The draw for the third round was held on 24 June 2016, 17:00 EET (UTC+2), at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.[13]
Groups
2018 FIFA World Cup qualification tiebreakers |
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In league format, the ranking of teams in each group is based on the following criteria (regulations Articles 20.6 and 20.7):[14]
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Group A
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 6 | Qualification to 2018 FIFA World Cup | — | 2 Sep '17 | 6 Nov '17 | 4–0 | |
2 | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | +3 | 6 | 28 Aug '17 | — | 2–0 | 6 Nov '17 | ||
3 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 0 | 1–2 | 2 Oct '17 | — | 28 Aug '17 | ||
4 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 5 | −5 | 0 | 2 Oct '17 | 0–1 | 2 Sep '17 | — |
Rules for classification: Qualification tiebreakers
Group B
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 6 | Qualification to 2018 FIFA World Cup | — | 28 Aug '17 | 2 Oct '17 | 3–1 | |
2 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 Sep '17 | — | 1–1 | 2 Oct '17 | ||
3 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | 1 | 1–2 | 6 Nov '17 | — | 28 Aug '17 | ||
4 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 1 | 6 Nov '17 | 1–1 | 2 Sep '17 | — |
Rules for classification: Qualification tiebreakers
Group C
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 4 | Qualification to 2018 FIFA World Cup | — | 6 Nov '17 | 2 Sep '17 | 3–1 | |
2 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0–0 | — | 2 Oct '17 | 28 Aug '17 | ||
3 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 28 Aug '17 | 0–0 | — | 6 Nov '17 | ||
4 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 1 | 2 Oct '17 | 2 Sep '17 | 0–0 | — |
Rules for classification: Qualification tiebreakers
Group D
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 4 | Qualification to 2018 FIFA World Cup | — | 1–1 | 2 Sep '17 | 6 Nov '17 | |
2 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 4 | 2 Oct '17 | — | 2–1 | 2 Sep '17 | ||
3 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 3 | 28 Aug '17 | 6 Nov '17 | — | 2–0 | ||
4 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | −4 | 0 | 0–2 | 28 Aug '17 | 2 Oct '17 | — |
Rules for classification: Qualification tiebreakers
Group E
Pos | Team | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 6 | Qualification to 2018 FIFA World Cup | — | 2 Sep '17 | 2–0 | 2 Oct '17 | |
2 | ![]() |
2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 4 | 28 Aug '17 | — | 2 Oct '17 | 1–0 | ||
3 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | 1 | 6 Nov '17 | 0–0 | — | 28 Aug '17 | ||
4 | ![]() |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 0 | 1–2 | 6 Nov '17 | 2 Sep '17 | — |
Rules for classification: Qualification tiebreakers
Goalscorers
- As of 13 November 2016
Note: Players in bold are still active in the competition.
- 4 goals
- 3 goals
- 2 goals
Faouzi Ghoulam
Mogakolodi Ngele
Banou Diawara
Préjuce Nakoulma
Cédric Amissi
Vincent Aboubakar
Héldon Ramos
Léger Djimrangar
Thievy Bifouma
Dieumerci Mbokani
Ahmed Hassan Mahgoub
Mohamed Salah
Dawit Fekadu
Getaneh Kebede
Naby Keïta
Giovanni Sio
Michael Olunga
Johanna Omolo
Mohamed El Monir
Njiva Rakotoharimalala
Boubacar Bagili
Cheikh Moulaye Ahmed
Willy Stephanus
Mahamane Cissé
Victor Moses
Mame Biram Diouf
Mbwana Samatta
Wahbi Khazri
Winston Kalengo
Collins Mbesuma
- 1 goal
Nabil Bentaleb
Yacine Brahimi
Riyad Mahrez
Carl Medjani
El Arabi Hillel Soudani
Gelson
Bello Babatounde
Stéphane Sessègnon
Tapiwa Gadibolae
Galabgwe Moyana
Jonathan Pitroipa
Bertrand Traoré
Stéphane Mbia
Benjamin Moukandjo
Edgar Salli
Eudes Dagoulou
Junior Gourrier
Ezechiel N'Douassel
Mohamed M'Changama
Hardy Binguila
Férébory Doré
Delvin N'Dinga
Francis N'Ganga
Fabrice Ondama
Jonathan Bolingi
Neeskens Kebano
Michaël Nkololo
Mohamed Liban
Mohamed Elneny
Rui
Henok Goitom
Ramkel Lok
Gatoch Panom
Shimelis Bekele
Malick Evouna
Pa Dibba
Abdou Jammeh
Jordan Ayew
Wakaso Mubarak
Seydouba Soumah
Idrissa Sylla
Amido Baldé
Ibraime Cassamá
Gohi Bi Zoro Cyriac
Gervinho
Jonathan Kodjia
Jean Seri
Ayub Masika
Haron Shakava
Tsepo Seturumane
Faisal Al Badri
Mohamed Al Ghanodi
Abel Andrianantenaina
Faneva Imà Andriatsima
Johann Paul
Michael Rabeson
Falimery Ramanamahefa
John Banda
Cheick Diabaté
Bakary Sako
Samba Sow
Sambou Yatabaré
Ismaël Diakité
Oumar N'Diaye
Moussa Samba
Jonathan Bru
Andy Sophie
Yacine Bammou
Youssef El-Arabi
Hélder Pelembe
Hendrik Somaeb
Efe Ambrose
Kelechi Iheanacho
Alex Iwobi
John Obi Mikel
Moses Simon
Jacques Tuyisenge
Luís Leal
Keita Baldé Diao
Moussa Konaté
Cheikhou Kouyaté
Sadio Mané
Cheikh N'Doye
Moussa Sow
Alhaji Kamara
Abdul Sesay
Dean Furman
Thamsanqa Gabuza
Thulani Hlatshwayo
Andile Jali
Tokelo Rantie
Thulani Serero
Dominic Abui Pretino
Muzi Dlamini
Mxolisi Lukhele
Mthunzi Mkhontfo
Sabelo Ndzinisa
Tony Tsabedze
Elias Maguri
Thomas Ulimwengu
Aymen Abdennour
Änis Ben-Hatira
Syam Ben Youssef
Saad Bguir
Yassine Chikhaoui
Geofrey Massa
Lubambo Musonda
- 1 own goal
Manucho Diniz (playing against South Africa)
Dieumerci Mbokani (playing against Burundi)
Salif Coulibaly (playing against Ivory Coast)
Notes
- ↑ FIFA awarded Congo DR a 3–0 win as a result of Burundi fielding the ineligible player Gaël Bigirimana.[12] The match originally ended 2–2.
References
- ↑ "Current allocation of FIFA World Cup™ confederation slots maintained". FIFA.com. 30 May 2015.
- ↑ "FORMAT OF 2017 AFCON QUALIFIERS AND 2018 WORLD CUP". CAFonline.com. 22 January 2015. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
- ↑ "Statistical Kit for the Preliminary Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia" (PDF). FIFA.com. 3 July 2015. p. 11. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- 1 2 3 "Preliminary Draw procedures outlined". fifa.com. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
- ↑ "Draw Procedures – African Zone" (PDF). FIFA.com.
- ↑ "Road to Russia with new milestone". FIFA.com. 15 January 2015.
- ↑ "Zimbabwe expelled from the preliminary competition of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia". FIFA.com. 12 March 2015.
- ↑ "Zimbabwe expelled from 2018 World Cup". BBC Sport. 12 March 2015.
- 1 2 "FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking – July 2015 (CAF)". FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 9 July 2015. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
- ↑ "CAF Calendar - CAF Calendar of Events and Meetings 2015". cafonline.com. Retrieved 9 July 2015.
- 1 2 "Results of FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Preliminary Draw". CAF. 25 July 2015.
- ↑ "DISCIPLINARY OVERVIEW – 2018 FIFA WORLD CUP RUSSIA™ QUALIFIERS" (PDF). FIFA. 1 February 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 February 2016.
- ↑ "June draw for third round of African Zone qualifiers". FIFA.com. 20 November 2015.
- ↑ "Regulations – 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia" (PDF). FIFA.com.
External links
- Official FIFA World Cup website
- Qualifiers – Africa, FIFA.com
- 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia - Qualifiers, CAFonline.com