The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 is underway in Ivory Coast, with 24 teams competing for the continental glory. The teams are divided into six groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to AFCON round 16. But what about the third-placed teams? How will they be selected to complete the last 16?
The criteria for choosing the best third places
According to the regulations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the four best third-placed teams will be determined by the following criteria, in order of priority:
- Highest number of points obtained in the group stage
- Best goal difference in the group stage
- Highest number of goals scored in the group stage
- Draw by the CAF organizing committee if the above criteria are not enough to separate the teams
The current standings of the third-placed teams
As of January 22, 2024, the group stage of AFCON 2023 has not been completed yet. However, based on the results so far, we can have a glimpse of the possible scenarios for the best third places. Here are the current standings of the third-placed teams in each group, along with their points, goal difference, and goals scored:
| Group | Team | Points | Goal Difference | Goals Scored |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Ivory Coast | 3 | +1 | 2 |
| B | Namibia | 3 | -3 | 2 |
| C | Algeria | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| D | Zambia | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| E | Ghana | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| F | Cameroon | 1 | -2 | 1 |
The possible outcomes for the best third places to qualify for AFCON round 16
Based on the current standings, we can see that there are several teams that have the same number of points, but different goal difference and goals scored. This means that the final ranking of the best third places will depend on the results of the remaining matches in the group stage. Here are some possible outcomes for the best third places, assuming that the top two teams in each group do not change:
If Ivory Coast, Namibia, Algeria, and Zambia win their last matches, they will qualify as the best third places, as they will have six or five points each, and a better goal difference than Ghana and Cameroon.
If Ivory Coast, Namibia, Algeria, and Zambia draw their last matches, they will also qualify as the best third places, as they will have four or three points each, and a better goal difference than Ghana and Cameroon.
Read Cameroon AFCON 2023 squad
If Ivory Coast, Namibia, Algeria, and Zambia lose their last matches, they will have to compete with Ghana and Cameroon for the best third places, based on the number of goals scored and the draw by the CAF organizing committee.
If Ghana and Cameroon win their last matches by more than one goal, they will qualify as the best third places, as they will have four points each, and a better goal difference than Ivory Coast, Namibia, Algeria, and Zambia.
If Ghana and Cameroon win their last matches by one goal, they will have to compete with Ivory Coast, Namibia, Algeria, and Zambia for the best third places, based on the number of goals scored and the draw by the CAF organizing committee.
Read AFCON 2024 fixtures and complete summary of activities
The conclusion
The best third places for AFCON round 1 will be decided by a combination of factors, such as the points, goal difference, goals scored, and the draw by the CAF organizing committee. The final ranking of the best third places will be determined by the results of the last matches in the group stage, which will be played on January 23 and 24, 2024. The fans of the third-placed teams will be eagerly waiting for the outcome of these matches, as they will decide the fate of their teams in the tournament.
Mbiydzela
- Mbiydze is a web and graphic designer, digital marketer, and founder of a group of companies including CHEETAH CAMEROON, MBIYDZELA DIGITAL and PULSEBEAT ENTERTAINMENT He is an ambitious entrepreneur with experience in various fields.
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