The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, which kicked off last Friday, is already gaining momentum as the tournament enters its third day of competition. After an opening phase marked by Egypt’s successful start, Uganda’s surprise victory, and Madagascar’s historic first points at an AFCON finals, attention now turns to a packed Sunday featuring three heavyweight teams. With Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria all set to make their tournament debuts, this new matchday promises to further shape the early landscape of the competition.
Sunday’s schedule brings together some of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage so far. Group D opens the day at 2:30 PM GMT with Morocco facing Namibia at the Cairo Military Academy Stadium. Considered one of the tournament favorites, the Atlas Lions are expected to assert themselves quickly against a Namibian side often viewed as an underdog. Later in the afternoon, Group C comes into focus at 5:00 PM GMT, when Senegal take on Tanzania at the 30 June Stadium. Senegal, widely tipped as a potential champion, begin their campaign against a Tanzanian team returning to the AFCON finals after a long absence. The day concludes at 8:00 PM GMT with another Group C clash, as Algeria meet Kenya at the same venue. With their technical quality and depth, the Fennecs will be eager to make a strong first impression against a Kenyan side hoping to cause an upset.
These matches follow an eventful Saturday that delivered both confirmations and surprises. In Group A, Uganda produced one of the early shocks of the tournament by defeating DR Congo 2–0. The Cranes’ disciplined and energetic performance earned them a historic victory and immediately placed them in a strong position within the group. In Group B, Nigeria began their campaign with a narrow but valuable 1–0 win over Burundi, securing three important points despite a tightly contested match. The day’s final encounter provided the most spectacular football so far, as Guinea and Madagascar played out an entertaining 2–2 draw. That match not only became the highest-scoring game of the tournament to date, but also allowed Madagascar to claim the first AFCON point in their history, underlining their ambition and competitiveness.
After the first round of matches in Groups A and B, the early standings already offer a clear picture of the initial hierarchy. In Group A, Uganda sit at the top with three points and a goal difference of +2, thanks to their convincing win over DR Congo. They are closely followed by hosts Egypt, who also have three points but trail on goal difference after their 1–0 victory over Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe occupy third place with no points and a goal difference of -1, while DR Congo are bottom of the group with zero points and a -2 goal difference.
Group B is led by Nigeria, whose opening win places them first with three points and a +1 goal difference. Behind them, Guinea and Madagascar share second and third places respectively, each with one point following their draw. Burundi currently sit at the foot of the group with no points after their defeat to the Super Eagles.
As the competition continues to unfold, Sunday’s fixtures are set to expand the narrative of this AFCON. The entry of Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria into the tournament will raise expectations and intensity, as these nations carry both ambition and pressure. Strong opening performances could quickly establish them as serious contenders, while any slip-ups would reinforce the unpredictability that already defines this edition.
With surprises already recorded and new contenders about to take the stage, the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations is beginning to reveal its character. Each match is shaping the race for qualification, and every point is becoming increasingly precious as Africa’s biggest football celebration moves deeper into its opening phase.
