Even though there are still some games to be played in the CAF qualifiers on Tuesday, the top 10 teams have already been decided. Here is the ranking for the final 10 teams and their chances of advancing to the World Cup Finals in Brazil next summer.
10. Cape Verde
Cape Verde won Group B with 12 points but would not have one the group if not for foul play from Equatorial Guinea in both matches between the clubs. The latter won one of the matches and Cape Verde would only have had nine points in the qualifiers; Tunisia had 11 prior to losing to Cape Verde in the final match of the group stage.
9. Ethiopia
The Ethiopians put up a solid performance in qualifiers and would have had 16 points if not for fielding an ineligible player in a match against Botswana. However, the nation has no World Cup experience and could crumble in a match against a superior side. Moreover, the team was not particularly convincing offensively or defensively compared to other teams in qualifying.
8. Senegal
The Lions of Teranga pulled off 12 points in qualifying but only had three wins and three draws in that span. The team's offense was not particularly decisive in any match after the opener against Liberia and the team may be unable to hold off the stronger competition in the tournament.
7. Cameroon
Cameroon wound up winning a very defensive group with four wins, one draw, and one loss. However, one of those wins was awarded due to foul play by Togo; Cameroon could have potentially lost the group if not for the fact that Togo fielded and illegal player.
6. Burkina Faso
It is unfair to put this team so low on the scale after a terrific run in the African Cup of Nations and a solid run in the group stage of the CAF qualifiers. However, the team lost twice in the process and only scored seven goals; the team's lack of scoring through six matches could pose a problem against the firepower of other opponents.
5. Algeria
The Fennec Foxes have one game left to play but have already clinched the top spot in the group with four wins and one loss. The team has been terrific offensively with 12 goals in five games and was a World Cup competitor in 2010. That alone should help them make a deep run.
4. Egypt
The Pharaohs have performed admirably under new coach Bob Bradley, but many wonder whether the team's performance is truly a demonstration of the team's potential or simply a reflection of a weak group. Egypt has won five of five heading into Tuesday's game against Guinea, but there are certainly signs that this team could be on its way back to the World Cup after a lengthy absence.
3. Ivory Coast
Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba's nation has always been seen as an elite African nation. They were terrific in qualifiers with 14 points in six games and no losses to speak of. The 15 goals scored also speak volumes about this team's firepower; expect them to give any opponent a miserable time. This team has made the World Cup in two straight tournaments and is likely to land its third.
2. Ghana
The Black Stars had a tremendous performance in the 2010 World Cup and look slated for a triumphant return. With 18 goals scored and only three conceded, Ghana has had the best group stage performance of any team in the CAF. They did lose on game but have proven the ability to blowout teams with relative ease.
1. Nigeria
The Super Eagles are the reigning Africa Cup of Nations champions. They struggled somewhat in the competition with only seven goals and three assists, but have proven in 2013 that they are major contenders for any competition.
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