The situation is simple for the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali when they meet on Monday: win and stay or lose and leave the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Mali has three points and Congo two, and while Ghana are the leaders of Group B they are not guaranteed a quarter-final spot as they only have four points. Niger, with one point, has the slimmest chance of making it to the quarters.
Consequently, victory is the only option for all the nations' as three points will secure that next step in the tournament.
Congo started slowly against Ghana but came back from two goals down to earn a point against the tournament favourites, and against the tenacious Niger they were held to a goalless draw.
Talks of fighting for bonuses just before the tournament have vanished from the Congo camp, a good sign that all is well.
Mali on the other hand won the first match of the AFCON against Niger 1-0, but then lost to Ghana by the same score.
The country is experiencing warfare in the northern regions and the players' minds are on that too as Mali Captain Seydou Keita dedicated his winning goal to his countrymen.
Not much separates the two sides in terms of form and determination, and it is willpower that will probably get the best team through.
"We have no choice but to beat DR Congo if we want to continue our African Nations Cup adventure. To do this, we will rest to prepare for the decisive match," said Keita.
Kickoff is at 7pm at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban and at the same time in Port Elizabeth Niger will face Ghana.
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