Mali, Zambia and Zimbabwe reach Afcon 2025

Mali, Zambia and Zimbabwe have booked their places at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with one round of qualifying to spare.

Kamory Doumbia's first-half goal gave Mali a 1-0 win in Mozambique, with the game going ahead in Maputo despite street protests following last month's disputed presidential election.

The Eagles are assured of top spot in Group I, while Mozambique must avoid defeat against Guinea-Bissau in their final game to join them at the finals in Morocco.

The West Africans are three points behind the Mambas in the table after they drew 1-1 away against Eswatini, but could still qualify if they secure a victory over Mozambique on Tuesday that gives them an advantage in the head-to-head between the two teams.

Zambia moved to the summit of Group G after registering a surprise 1-0 home victory over reigning continental champions Ivory Coast - although the Elephants were already through before kick-off.

That result ends Sierra Leone's hopes of qualification.

Zimbabwe knew a point from their home game against Kenya would be enough to secure a top-two spot in Group J, and saw out a 1-1 draw against the Harambee Stars to ensure they progress alongside Cameroon.

Botswana missed the chance to book just their second appearance at Afcon after drawing 1-1 at home against Mauritania in Group C.

Cape Verde were eliminated after a 1-1 stalemate at home against already-qualified Egypt.

Botswana now need a point from their trip to Egypt on Tuesday to qualify, while Mauritania will finish second in the group if they win at home against Cape Verde and the Zebras are beaten in Cairo.

Elsewhere, South Africa triumphed 2-0 in Uganda in Group K. Both teams were assured of qualification after Congo-Brazzaville were beaten on Wednesday.

Just six spots at the 24-team finals are yet to be decided.

Comoros will qualify from Group A if the islanders win their away game against The Gambia later, while Ghana must take all three points from their trip to Angola to keep their hopes alive.

Both of those games kick off at 19:00 GMT.

There are just two qualifying matches on Saturday, with both games in Group H.

Ethiopia have a home game against Tanzania (16:00 GMT) and Guinea welcome already-qualified DR Congo (19:00 GMT).

If Tanzania drop points then Guinea can qualify for the finals if they beat the Leopards.