CHAMPIONS Senegal will be defending their Africa Cup of Nations title in Cote d’Ivoire early next year after sealing qualification today.
South Africa will also be returning to the continental showpiece after missing out on the last edition in Cameroon last year.
The Teranga Lions secured their spot in the tournament after a 1-0 away win over Mozambique today.
Boulaye Dia struck in the 18th minute to hand Aliou Cisse’s side their second win in four days over Mozambique, following a 5-1 victory in Senegal on Friday.
Today’s win took Senegal’s points tally in qualifying Group L to 12 from four games and an eight-point lead over second-placed Mozambique with two rounds of games left.
South Africa also bagged an away win against Liberia to seal their AFCON spot.
Bafana Bafana beat the Lone Star 2-1 to earn four points from three matches in their three-team group, joining leaders Morocco in securing their tickers.
Zakhele Lepasa gave South Africa the lead in the 19th minute but William Jebor equalised for the hosts 10 minutes before half-time.
Mabhuti Mayambela struck the winner nine minutes into the second half to give South Africa a three-point advantage and superior head-to-head record over Liberia with both sides having just one match left in qualifying Group K.
