Guinea-Bissau reached an Africa Cup of Nations finals for the first time in their history without kicking a ball on Sunday, as Zimbabwe and Ghana also qualified for Gabon 2017.
Kenya beat Guinea-Bissau’s closest challengers Congo Brazzaville 2-1 in Group E to secure an historic qualification for the African minnows who defeated Zambia on Saturday.
Zimbabwe were 3-0 winners over Malawi in Harare, and Ghana won 2-0 away to Mauritius.
Guinea-Bissau bolstered their chances of a first Cup of Nations appearance after a 3-2 win over 2012 champions Zambia in front of a packed 20,000-capacity national stadium in Bissau.
But they needed Congo to lose in Kenya to seal their place in Gabon, and Kenya duly obliged, coming from behind to seal a victory in Nairobi.
Ghana went into their game away to Mauritius as favourites to win Group H even without captain and leading striker Asamoah Gyan, who has a thigh injury.
The Black Stars did not disappoint despite a cagey first half which ended without any goals.
Swansea’s Andre Ayew broke the deadlock in the 71st minute with a strike from close-range to relieve some of the tension.
Christian Atsu doubled Ghana’s score seven minutes later, finding the net following a pass from defender Baba Rahman.
The victory means that Ghana have qualified for their seventh successive Africa Cup of Nations finals since 2006.
Zimbabwe clinched a place with a 3-0 win over Malawi in Harare while their while Group L rivals Guinea fell 1-0 in Swaziland.
Knowledge Musona was fouled inside the box and converted the penalty on 16 minutes to set up the convincing home victory for the Warriors.
In Group B, the Democratic Republic of Congo moved closer to the finals with a resounding 6-1 win in Madagascar.
There were two goals each for Cedric Bakambu and Paul-José M’Poku, with Crystal Palace’s recently married winger Yannick Bolasie, and Jordan Rolly Botaka also scoring.
Jhon Baggio Rakotonomenjanahary did score a consolation goal for the hosts, but they remain bottom of the group with just two points.
Central African Republic beat visiting Angola 3-1 in Group B, to close the gap on DR Congo to two points.
The final round of group matches will be played in September.
