Congo will look to clinch the top spot in Group E when it takes on last place Niger in its final World Cup Qualifier of the second round on Saturday.
Congo currently sits atop Group E with 10 points but only holds a one point lead over second place Burkina Faso. The first place team moves on to the third round of qualifiers to play another group winner in a two-legged playoff. With a win, Congo clinches the top spot; a loss or draw puts the team in danger of elimination, as a Burkina Faso win would give the latter nation the top spot in the group.
Congo drew 0-0 with Burkina Faso in its opener, but FIFA awarded the team with a 3-0 win due to foul play from Burkina Faso. In its second game, Congo managed a 1-0 win over Niger before taking down Gabon 1-0 in its third game. Congo then drew 0-0 with Gabon in the fourth game before losing 1-0 against Burkina Faso in its most recent match.
Niger sits in last place in the group and is the only team with no chance of qualifying. Niger has one victory in the entire campaign but has lost the other four games. In sum, the team has scored four goals and conceded 10.
Prediction: Congo has everything to lose if it showcases a poor performance. Expect Congo to come out with passion and intensity; they should pull out a 1-0 win.
Start Time: 11:30 a.m. EST
The match will not be live streamed in the USA.
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