Five Fifa World Cup Africa qualifying facts

Franck Kom (left) and Job Marvin Matip of Cameroon celebrate their win against South Africa during their 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on March 29, 2016 in Durban. PHOTO | ANESH DEBIKY |

What you need to know:

  • Not more than three of the five 2014 African qualifiers can reach Russia as Algeria, Cameroon and Nigeria have been grouped together and only the winners go to the finals.
  • Ivory Coast and Ghana are hoping to equal the 1990-2002 record of Cameroon and qualify for four consecutive tournaments.
  • Although Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, the last of only two World Cup appearances was 26 years ago.

JOHANNESBURG

Five facts ahead of 2018 World Cup Africa qualifying fixtures this weekend:

Cameroon have qualified for the World Cup the most times from Africa with seven appearances since 1982.

Of the 13 African countries who have played at the World Cup, only Angola and Togo failed to reach the group phase of the 2018 elimination competition.

Not more than three of the five 2014 African qualifiers can reach Russia as Algeria, Cameroon and Nigeria have been grouped together and only the winners go to the finals.

Ivory Coast and Ghana are hoping to equal the 1990-2002 record of Cameroon and qualify for four consecutive tournaments.

Although Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, the last of only two World Cup appearances was 26 years ago.