Penultimate lap in race to Qatar World cup

The race to join elite football nations for the Fifa World Cup in Qatar in November takes centre stage across the globe this week.

All eyes will be on the African continent as their five representatives to the showpiece will be known in the next seven days.

Newly-crowned African champions Senegal and the team they conquered in the final, Egypt, meet up yet again in a crucial clash. Another mouthwatering duel will see West African neighbours Nigeria and Ghana go head-to-head.

EGYPT Vs SENEGAL, (Cairo), Friday, March 25, ( Kick Off 22:30)

To win their maiden international trophy, Sadio Mane and the Lions of Teranga had to conquer record African champions Egypt and their talisman Mo Salah.

The two superstars meet again in a tie that is as important as the one they engaged in back in February. Then, the Senegalese got one over the Pharaohs to claim a historic first continental title.

Unlike their one-off meeting in the Afcon final in Cameroon, the storied teams will fight it out in a two-legged match-up.

Egypt will start the match at home on Friday before Senegal host them in Dakar four days later.

Goals have been a hard currency to come by for Egypt, but in front of their own fans in Cairo, many will fancy them to pick a crucial advantage going into the second leg.

Salah himself knows that to be considered for the coveted Ballon Dór later in the year, he will have to feature in football's most prestigious competition.

PREDICTION: Egypt 1-0 Senegal

GHANA Vs NIGERIA (Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Friday 25, Kick Off 22.30)

Nigeria were tipped by many to go deep into the 2021 Cup of Nations after running rings around eventual finalists Egypt in their opening match at the tournament in Cameroon.

Yet the Super Eagles fell at the first knock-out hurdle. They get an opportunity to book a ticket to another World cup finals when they take on underachieving neighbours Ghana.

The Black Stars have been under transition for what seems like ages with star forwards Asamoah Gyan and Dede Ayew among those who have been forced to make way for the younger generation.

The current crop has not lived up to expectations and it's hard to see how they will fare against a Nigeria side that is teeming with talent across the pitch.

PREDICTION: Nigeria 2-0 Ghana

URUGUAY Vs PERU ( Montevideo Friday, March 25, Kick Off 02.30)

It's hardly surprising that South American football powerhouses Brazil and Argentina are the only nations to have qualified for the 2022 World Cup with just two matches left.

An ageing Uruguay side was expected to be one of the five teams to represent the Conmebol region in Qatar. They take on surprise package Peru in Montevideo knowing that victory will put them one step closer to a fourth successive final appearance.

Peru will be no pushover and will need four points out of six to guarantee themselves a long-awaited ticket to return to the high table of football

PREDICTION: Uruguay 2-1 Peru

COLOMBIA Vs BOLIVIA (Bogota Friday, March 25,  Kick Off 02.45)

Football-mad Colombia faces an uphill task to qualify for this year's World Cup.

Despite having in their ranks talented attack-minded players like James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz, they have struggled in front of goal. They have to find their scoring boots swiftly if they are to have a chance of joining their peers in Qatar starting with the must-win showdown against Bolivia.

PREDICTION: Colombia 3-0 Bolivia