FIFA World Cup Qualifying Preview: Congo poised to advance

Congo can seal a spot in the third round of CAF World Cup qualifying if they claim a point at home to Burkina Faso on Saturday.

The Group E leaders are four points clear at the top with two matches remaining and anything but a loss would see them take another step toward Brazil 2014.

In four group games, Congo are yet to concede a goal but scoring has been a major problem for Kamel Djabour’s men.

Congo have only scored two goals in four games, but they were awarded a 3-0 win over Burkina Faso in June 2012 after the hosts fielded an ineligible player in what was a 0-0 draw.

Burkina Faso are still alive in qualifying thanks to two straight wins, with Jonathan Pitroipa netting in their two victories over Niger.

A point at the Stade Municipal in Pointe-Noire would seal Congo’s place in the third and final round of qualifying.

Gabon are still alive in the group ahead of their clash at home to Niger but need a miracle to finish top.

In a tight Group J, Uganda and Angola can temporarily move into top spot with a win at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium.

Group leaders Senegal travel to Liberia on Sunday but could be second heading into that clash depending on the result in Kampala.

Uganda are second – a point behind Senegal – while Angola are third on four points, two adrift of the leaders.

Morocco need a win against struggling Gambia to stay alive in Group C.

Rachid Taoussi’s men are unlikely to reach the third round of qualifying in Africa, but a win would at least put some pressure on group leaders the Ivory Coast.

Only the winners of each group will advance to the next round and Morocco sit third – five points behind top spot – with two matches remaining.

A victory over Gambia, who are bottom and winless, would make the Ivory Coast nervous ahead of their trip to Tanzania on Sunday.

Zambia will be looking to stretch their lead atop Group E to four points with a win at home to Sudan.

With a clash against Ghana in September, Zambia could take a one-point lead into that encounter if both sides win as expected in their upcoming matches.

Sierra Leone can stay alive in Group B with a win at Cape Verde, while Botswana and the Central African Republic are playing for pride in Group A.