With just two days remaining before the start of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, several qualified teams are finalizing their preparations to ensure they are ready for the tournament opener. Among the teams in action are Ivory Coast, South Africa, and Angola, each looking to build momentum and fine-tune their squads before heading into the competition.
In the United Arab Emirates, Ivory Coast will face Zambia’s Chipolopolos at 12:30 PM GMT. This friendly serves as a crucial opportunity for the Elephants to regain confidence after their unexpected 1-0 loss to Uganda in a previous preparatory match. The team’s coaching staff is focusing on adjusting tactics and assessing player form to ensure a strong start in Egypt.
Ivory Coast is set to begin their 2019 AFCON campaign with a Group D clash against South Africa on Monday, June 24, at 2:30 PM GMT. This match will be pivotal for the Elephants as they aim to start the tournament on a positive note and establish themselves as contenders in a competitive group. Meanwhile, Uganda will open their campaign against DR Congo on June 22 at 2:30 PM GMT, aiming to carry the momentum from their recent win.
South Africa, already in Egypt, is preparing to face Angola in a friendly at 3:30 PM GMT in Cairo. The match provides an important opportunity for Bafana Bafana to fine-tune their lineup, integrate tactical plans, and test their cohesion ahead of their first AFCON group stage match. The team’s management is emphasizing sharpness and readiness, knowing that early momentum can be crucial in a tightly contested tournament.
Angola, competing in Group E, will play their first official AFCON match against Tunisia on June 24 at 5:00 PM GMT. Their friendly against South Africa offers a final chance to evaluate strategies, adjust formations, and ensure that players are match-fit for the opening encounter. Both Angola and South Africa are using these preparatory matches to identify the best combinations and build team confidence ahead of the high-stakes group stage.
These final preparatory games highlight the importance of last-minute tactical adjustments and mental preparation. With the tournament set to begin imminently, each team is focused on entering the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations with optimal readiness, both physically and strategically. Success in these friendlies can provide the confidence boost necessary to perform at the highest level in the opening group matches.
As the countdown to the AFCON continues, teams like Ivory Coast, South Africa, and Angola are making the most of these final matches to ensure they are fully prepared for the challenges ahead. Every session, every tactical adjustment, and every minute on the pitch is crucial as the continent’s best gather in Egypt to compete for Africa’s most prestigious football trophy.
