The sixth and final day of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers kicks off this Friday with seven matches across the continent. While most fixtures are largely ceremonial—featuring teams that have already secured qualification or are mathematically eliminated—two games in particular promise to capture the attention of African football fans.
The first key matchup is Burkina Faso vs. Mauritania, to be played in Ouagadougou. The Stallions of Burkina Faso enter this decisive clash knowing that their fate is not entirely in their own hands. A victory against the Mourabitounes is necessary, but not sufficient, for qualification. For Burkina Faso to advance to Egypt, Angola must fail to beat Botswana in the concurrent Group I fixture. This scenario has added significant pressure on Paulo Duarte’s squad, particularly given injuries and suspensions affecting key players such as the Traoré brothers. The outcome of this match will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as it could dramatically alter the final standings in Group I.
The second high-profile encounter of the day is Botswana vs. Angola, taking place in Francistown. Angola, still harboring hopes of qualification, will need a win to maintain any chance of advancing. Botswana, although already eliminated, has the opportunity to play a spoiler role, potentially altering Burkina Faso’s prospects. The Group I doubleheader creates a tense and interconnected scenario where the results of both matches will determine which team progresses to the tournament.
The remainder of the day’s fixtures, while less consequential in terms of qualification, still offer competitive football and opportunities for players to impress. In Blantyre, Malawi hosts Morocco in a Group B clash at 1:00 p.m. UTC. Morocco, already qualified, will look to finish the campaign strongly, while Malawi aims to end on a high note.
Nigeria takes on Seychelles in Asaba at 3:00 p.m. UTC in Group E. The Super Eagles, having already secured qualification, may rotate players but will nonetheless be expected to maintain their dominant form. Seychelles, with little at stake, will nevertheless seek to make a mark against one of Africa’s top sides.
Simultaneously, Sudan faces Equatorial Guinea in Omdurman at 5:00 p.m. UTC (Group A). Both teams, eliminated from contention, will focus on gaining experience and assessing their squads for future competitions.
In Radès, Tunisia hosts Eswatini at 6:15 p.m. UTC in Group J. While Tunisia’s position in the group is secure, they will aim to finish the qualifiers unbeaten or on a high note, providing confidence heading into the finals.
Finally, Algeria clashes with Gambia in Blida at 7:45 p.m. UTC (Group D). Algeria, having already qualified, may use the match to test emerging talents, while Gambia looks to end its campaign with pride and competitiveness.
As the final day unfolds, the drama is largely concentrated in Group I, where the outcomes of the Burkina Faso-Mauritania and Botswana-Angola matches will determine who books a ticket to Egypt. For the other teams, the matches provide opportunities to build momentum, give younger players valuable minutes, and finish the qualifiers on a positive note.
Friday’s slate of matches underscores the unpredictable and thrilling nature of African football, combining high-stakes drama for some with developmental opportunities for others. Fans across the continent will be glued to screens, watching as qualification hopes are realized or dashed in what promises to be an eventful conclusion to the 2019 AFCON qualifying campaign.
