The stiff competition in Group I is underlined by Monday's narrative-laden Madagascar clash against Mali at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
The table-topping side host the West African nation at the risk of losing first place, with the fourth-placed Eagles keen to record their second victory in World Cup qualifying.
Match preview
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Few would have foreseen Madagascar leading Group I after three matchdays, but that is the reality for Romuald Rakotondrabe's men.
Despite being beaten by Ghana in their first qualifier, Barea have responded impressively to claim victories against Chad and Comoros, scoring three times in the former and defeating their recent opponents 2-1.
Rayan Raveloson was the hero last time, with the Auxerre man netting a brace to send them top with six points from an available nine.
Nevertheless, the competition in that section is stiff, as Madagascar are tied with Comoros and Ghana on six points, with Monday's opponents two behind Barea.
With Ghana hosting the Central African Republic (four points) and Comoros away against Chad (zero points) in Morocco, avoiding defeat could still see the current Group I leaders lose first place.
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With CAR breathing down their neck, Mali cannot afford to drop points in round four's match at Soccer City, keen to rise in the standings and make a play for the top spot.
However, Les Aigles must respond after recent wobbles in qualifying have seen them fail to build on their opening triumph over Chad in Bamako.
That 3-1 success in November 2023 was followed by a 1-1 home draw against the Central African Republic before a disappointing home defeat against Ghana last time out.
Losing to the Black Stars will rankle for a while as Eric Chelle's men netted the game's first goal through Kamory Doumbia before conceding two second-half strikes to Ernest Nuamah and Jordan Ayew, with the latter scoring in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
With their three opening games in qualifying coming in Bamako, the Eagles picking up four wins from nine on home soil leaves much to be desired, and they hope to rectify early mistakes against Madagascar on Monday.
Team News
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Njiva Rakotoharimalala, Madagascar's hero in last November's win over Chad, is not in the squad having not played competitively since December.
The match-winning Raveloson should start in round four's match with Mali, with Barea seemingly not sustaining any injuries against Comoros.
Chelle may seek something different from his side in Monday's match, underlined by the manager's early substitutions against Ghana.
The Mali coach could start Atalanta's El Bilal Toure from the off, having only introduced the Atalanta BC forward in the second half last time out.
Madagascar possible starting lineup:
Laiton; Rabemananjara, Demoleon, Andria; Fontaine, Couturier, Amada, Fortun; Raveloson; Abdallah, Lapoussin
Mali possible starting lineup:
Samassa; Sacko, Niakate, Camara, Guindo; Sagnan, Coulibaly, Haidara; Doumbia; Toure, Sinayoko
We say: Madagascar 1-1 Mali
Having been steady in World Cup qualifying for the 2022 finals before ultimately losing out to Tunisia, Mali have struggled for consistency in performances and results this time. That should be music to the ears of Madagascar, who have scored five times in their last two games in qualifying.
While success for the hosts will not be surprising, the Eagles could benefit from not playing under home pressure in Johannesburg, possibly seeing them nick a point on Monday afternoon.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
