2018 World Cup qualifiers: Group E permutations

Ghana celebrates goal with Thomas Partey of Ghana

Friday Nov 10, 2017. 14:00

We look at who needs what to secure qualification for the 2018 World Cup ahead of this weekend’s round of matches. Today’s focus is on Group E: Egypt, Uganda, Ghana and Congo.

Group E fixtures

Sunday 12 November
Congo v Uganda - Stade Alphonse Massemba-Debat, Brazzaville - 16h30 CAT
Ghana v Egypt - Baba Yara Stadium, Kumasi - 17h30 CAT

Group E standings

Egypt: 12 points / +4 goal difference
Uganda: 8 / +1
Ghana: 6 / +2
Congo: 1 / -7

Who needs what to qualify?

Egypt have already guaranteed top spot and they will appear at Russia 2018 regardless of their result away to Ghana this weekend. The Pharaohs secured a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1990 when they beat Congo 2-1 last month.

The Black Stars will hope to at least reclaim some pride and defeat the Pharaohs, but even that may not be enough to claim second place, with Uganda tipped to beat Congo in Brazzaville and secure the runners-up spot.

What’s likely to happen?

Two games which fizzle out, probably. There’s nothing but pride at stake and even the group’s outstanding player - Egypt forward Mohamed Salah - has been given the weekend off to rest.