Dicey for Egypt, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire

Defending champions,Nigeria, and another African heavyweight, Cote d'Ivoire, are in a race against time, to pick up their tickets for the 2015 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

There are two matches to the end the qualifiers with only two spots from each group up for grabs, and contrary to the predictions of bookmakers, both Nigeria's Super Eagles and the Elephants of Cote d'Ivoire trail in their respective groups. They will have to win the rest of the games in convincing manner to be able to claim their tickets to the tournament which is in search of a new venue, after CAF strapped Morocco of hosting rights for insisting that the dates be rescheduled.

In a group that has South Africa, Congo and Malawi, Nigeria were expected to be  lead the pack, yet they find themselves in third place  with four points and now face must-win matches to possibly claim one of the two spots from Group A.

The Super Eagles travel to Brazzaville to face Congo who are second with seven points but also determined to maintain their position to be at the next AFCON once a venue is found.

Nigeria's situation was compounded by the issues with renewing Stephen Keshi's contract as head coach, the power struggles in the federation, and now have to wait to find out if their experienced goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, will be fit for the Congo game.

Nigeria were stunned 2-3 at home in the opening game by the Congolese and will be out for revenge, but that could be a tough task as winning in Brazzaville has never been an easy task. And with the Congolese hopes raised so high by their current position, Nigeria will have to brace themselves for the worse, as 

South Africa look poised to retain their winning ways against the Sudan in Johannesburg.

Cote d'Ivoire find themselves in a similar situation, at the moment in third place behind Cameroun and Democratic Republic of Congo. Cameroun lead with 10 points, while DR Congo and Cote d'Ivoire have six points each, seperated by goals.

However, the Elephants could have a less daunting task and possibly overtake the Congolese if they manage to win against Sierra Leone and Cameroun also beat DR Congo 

For record seven times champions, the Pharaohs of Egypt, they will have to beat Senegal in Cairo to move to second place and then hope for a favourable result against Tunisia in the final game to save their dream.

The Pharaohs trail the Teranga Lions by a point and a win will send them to second place, and should they earn even a draw against Tunisia, they will be on their way to the 2015 party.

Apart from Algeria and Cape Verde who are home and dry, all the other spots are up for grabs and any slips at this point could affect the chances of those jostling for the top two positions.

The last option for those with shaky positions will be to emerge be the best third-placed team, or one with the best losing record in qualifiers to grab the 15th spot.