The final push for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations is here. With only ten spots remaining for the tournament in Egypt, all eyes are on the decisive final matchdays from Friday, March 22, to Sunday, March 24. Tension, drama, and uncertainty are guaranteed across the continent as teams battle for the remaining places.
In Group B, defending champions Cameroon still need to secure their ticket. The Indomitable Lions face a tough challenge at home against a determined Comoros side, which will make qualification far from automatic. Every goal, every defensive play, and every decision could prove decisive for the champions.
Group I in Ouagadougou sees Burkina Faso needing a win against already-qualified Mauritania. Even with victory, the Stallions’ fate also depends on the result of Angola versus Botswana, making for a nerve-wracking scenario. Meanwhile, Gabon’s star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is confirmed to lead the Panthers in their match against Burundi in Bujumbura, where the hosts are chasing a historic first AFCON qualification. His presence adds star power and quality to the Gabonese side, raising the stakes even higher.
Group D will feature a tense showdown in Cotonou, where Benin hosts Togo. Both teams still have a chance to advance, promising a thrilling derby that could go down to the wire. Similarly, South Africa faces a precarious trip to Tunisia to play Libya, with the outcome difficult to predict given the high stakes and varying form of the teams.
Group G is another hotbed of competition. With all four teams still in contention, Zimbabwe versus Congo and DR Congo versus Liberia are matches that could swing the group standings dramatically. The unpredictability promises excitement for fans and pressure for players.
Group K remains highly uncertain as well. Already eliminated Zambia could act as kingmakers when they host Namibia, while the loser of Guinea-Bissau versus Mozambique will see their hopes end abruptly. Meanwhile, in Group L, Tanzania must rely on themselves against Uganda to maintain their position, with Cape Verde and Lesotho ready to capitalize if the Taifa Stars slip.
The weekend schedule is packed with high-stakes fixtures:
Friday, March 22, 2019
- Sudan vs Equatorial Guinea, Omdurman (Group A)
- Malawi vs Morocco, Blantyre (Group B)
- Algeria vs Gambia, Blida (Group D)
- Nigeria vs Seychelles, Asaba (Group E)
- Botswana vs Angola, Francistown (Group I)
- Burkina Faso vs Mauritania, Ouagadougou (Group I)
- Tunisia vs Eswatini, Radès (Group J)
Saturday, March 23, 2019
- Senegal vs Madagascar, Thiès (Group A)
- Cameroon vs Comoros, Yaoundé (Group B)
- Burundi vs Gabon, Bujumbura (Group C)
- Mali vs South Sudan, Bamako (Group C)
- Ghana vs Kenya, Accra (Group F)
- Ivory Coast vs Rwanda, Abidjan (Group H)
- Niger vs Egypt, Niamey (Group J)
- Guinea-Bissau vs Mozambique, Bissau (Group K)
- Zambia vs Namibia, Lusaka (Group K)
Sunday, March 24, 2019
- Benin vs Togo, Cotonou (Group D)
- Libya vs South Africa, Sfax (Tunisia) (Group E)
- Zimbabwe vs Congo, Harare (Group G)
- DR Congo vs Liberia, Kinshasa (Group G)
- Central African Republic vs Guinea, Bangui (Group H)
- Tanzania vs Uganda, Dar es Salaam (Group L)
- Cape Verde vs Lesotho, Praia (Group L)
These final fixtures will determine the last teams to join the continental showpiece in Egypt, with each match carrying immense pressure, potential surprises, and unforgettable moments for fans across Africa. Every team, from favorites to underdogs, will be giving their all in a weekend set to define the shape of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
