The early birds, the falling stars and the toothless sharks? The road to Russia 2018 is already turning into a race track as teams flex their muscles and exert their dominance earlier on.
Perennial attendees of the FIFA World Cup, Nigeria are on course to yet another appearance after winning two games from two while the same cannot be said for the Black Stars of Ghana and Algeria who have stuttered at the starting line.
It might be too early to call but already we have a picture of who might make it to Russia 2018.
Group A
It is turning out to be a two horse race in Group A. At the top of the table is Congo DR and Tunisia all on 6 points, the Leopards are having a healthier goal difference than the Tunisians.
Congo DR is in ascendancy and is looking solid in all areas of the pitch but the Tunisians are right on their tails and it will be interesting to see who takes group A at the end of the Qualifiers.
Not to right off Guinea or Libya who are both sitting on 0 points at this stage. However, this battle looks like it will be fought between Congo DR and Tunisia.
Group B
The Super Eagles of Nigeria demolished Algeria in Uyo and made them look ordinary. Victor Moses was at the very center of Nigeria’s dominant display.
The Eagles occupy top spot with 6 points and look very likely to come out of the group unscathed.
The Nigerians are running away with Group B following the 1-1 draw between Zambia and Cameroon in Limbe.
Cameroon passed up the chance to stay in touch with the Nigerians after that unconvincing home draw against the Zambians, with only two points to their name so far.
Zambia occupies third spot on 1 point while the Algerians are at the bottom with a point as well but they have shipped in more goals than the Zambians.
Group C
The Ivory Coast have set themselves as the alpha males among the pack and sit on the summit of this group with 4 points from 2 games but only 2 points ahead of Panthers of Gabon and the Atlas Lions of Morocco.
This Group is evenly poised and is shaping up to be a three way battle but the Eagles of Mali still have 4 games to catch up with the leading pack.
Group D
Rightly so, this group is turning out to be the ‘Group of Death’. The Stallions of Burkina Faso are galloping forward and lead the way with 4 points while Bafana Bafana South Africa is closely following also on 4 points. The Teranga Lions of Senegal are well positioned in third with three points after that loss in Polokwane.
The Cape Verde Islands despite their recent emergence find themselves in unfamiliar waters. The Blue Sharks have not really shown any biting credentials and have 4 games to save their qualifying campaign.
Group E
The Pharaohs of Egypt are slowly waking up from their catacombs after a long absence from the World Cup for over 26 years; they look on course for qualification to Russia 2018.
The Egyptians sit comfortably on six points from 2 games played followed by the Cranes of Uganda on 4 points.
The Black Stars of Ghana shockingly have only manage a point so far while Congo Brazzaville are already looking like they have a mountain to climb if they are to remain in what is turning out to a the hottest race ever in World Cup qualifying history.
