Mozambique, Mauritania and DR Congo on Saturday qualified for the 2024 AFCON billed to be hosted by Cote d’ Ivoire in January 2024.
The mambas of Mozambique defeated Benin 3-2 to secure their return to the AFCON for the first time since 2010.
Needing to avoid defeat to finish second in Group L behind reigning African champions Senegal, the Mambas were behind early on to a Steve Mounie penalty, but goals from Witi and Ricardo Guimaraes put them 2-1 up through the first half.
The mambas however, struck back early in the second via Jodel Dossou and had the hosts biting their nails right up to injury time, when Celsio Bauque struck home the winner to calm the home nation’s nerves.
Malawi and Guinea drew 2-2 in their Group D dead-rubber in Lilongwe.
The Flames scored first via Robert Saizi midway through the first half, only for the Syli National to enjoy a 2-1 advantage by the hour mark thanks to strikes from Aguibou Camara and Saidou Sow. Yet Malawi struck back late on through Lawrence Chaziya to secure a share of the spoils.
DR Congo and Mauritania also secured passage to the AFCON finals.
21 African countries have so far qualified for the tourney whilst the remaining three will join before the end of today.