Algeria squandered the lead twice to settle for a 3-3 draw against Zambia in an entertaining Group H clash, which confirmed Zimbabwe's spot at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Early goals from Rachid Ghezzal and Islam Slimani gave Algeria the perfect start, but Patson Daka reduced the tally from the spot before Slimani got a brace to restore their two-goal advantage.
However, Chipolopolo rallied on and staged a comeback through Clatous Chama before a penalty from Daka rescued a point, but it wasn't enough to ensure progression to the finals.
Comoros qualified for next year's finals for the first-time ever despite playing to a goalless draw against Togo in Group G on Thursday afternoon.
The Comoros, who sit second in the group, qualify for their maiden AFCON appearance with a game to spare as Togo occupy bottom spot with no wins and just two points from five matches.
Egypt joined the Islanders in progression to the finals with a 1-1 draw away to Kenya in the group's other clash.
The Egyptians were ahead at the break courtesy of Mohamed Magdy Afsha, but the Harambee Stars staged a turnaround after halftime and levelled through Hassan Abdallah.
Kenya finished the rest of the match with ten players following the dismissal of Johnstone Omurwa towards the end of the match.
Gambia also ensured a historic qualification to the finals thanks to a 1-0 win over Angola in Group D out at the Independence Stadium.
The only strike of the clash happened towards the closing phases through Assan Ceesay, as Angola prop up the foot of the group standings with just one point.
Gabon took the Democratic Republic of Congo to the cleaners after recording a 3-0 victory, with Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the way.
A finish before halftime by Aaron Boupendza set the Gabon side well on their way before Denis Bouanga got their second a little from the break with Aubameyang netting the third.
The result leaves Gabon at the top of Group D level on points with Gambia, whilst the former conclude the group away to Angola on Monday.
Equatorial Guinea reclaimed their spot at the AFCON finals following a last-gasp 1-0 win over Tanzania in Group J.
The only strike of the match came with virtually the last kick of the game, as Guinea progressed to next year's AFCON after missing the previous edition.
Tunisia joined the path to the AFCON finals with a comprehensive 5-2 victory away to Libya in a Group J clash.
Libya scored first through Muaid Ellafi, but Yassine Meriah brought Tunisia level before Seifeddine Jaziri and Mohamed Drager put them ahead after halftime.
The Libyans pulled one back as Ellafi completed his brace before Ali Slimani and a second from Jaziri at the death ended matters.