Format
There would be two rounds of play: • First Round: The 39 teams were divided into 9 groups of 4 or 5 teams each. The teams would play against each other on a home-and-away basis. The group winners would advance to the Second Round. • Second Round: The 9 teams were divided into 3 groups of 3 teams each. The teams would play against each other on a home-and-away basis. The group winners would qualify. ==First round==
First round
Group A Algeria advanced to the Second Round. Group B Cameroon advanced to the Second Round. Liberia withdrew after playing one match, its result was annulled Group C Zimbabwe advanced to the Second Round. Group D Nigeria advanced to the Second Round. Group E Ivory Coast advanced to the Second Round. Group F Morocco advanced to the Second Round. Group G Senegal advanced to the Second Round. Group H Zambia advanced to the Second Round. Group I Guinea advanced to the Second Round. ==Second round==