U-23 AFCON: Nigeria Will Reach Semis With A Draw Vs Algeria

By Dare Esan:

The U-23 Eagles will only need a draw of any kind in their final group game against Algeria to qualify for the semi-finals of the on-going CAF U-23 Nations

Cup if Egypt expectedly beat Mali in their final group game, according to CAF rules governing qualification in case all three teams tie on points.

Article 68.2.3 of the competition makes the number of goals scored the deciding factor if the teams have the same goals difference.
"The greatest number of goals scored in the matches between the teams concerned will be used to decide the qualifiers," reads the article.

A win for Egypt will take them to five points, same as Nigeria and Algeria if their game ends in a draw.

If this scenario presents itself after the conclusion of the group games on Saturday, Nigeria will pick a semi-final ticket.
Algeria's chances of joining Nigeria will depend on the nature of the draw. If the game between Nigeria and Algeria ends from 3-3 upwards, then Algeria will

come second behind Nigeria but if the scoreline is 0-0 or 1-1, Algeria will be eliminated.

If the game ends in a 1-1 draw, then it presents another scenario as to who tops the group between Nigeria and Egypt as both will have the same number of
goals scored and same number of goals conceded.