Three months after Algeria’s triumphant run in Egypt, which saw the Desert Foxes crowned African champions, a new chapter in continental football begins this Wednesday with the start of the qualifiers for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The next edition of the tournament will be hosted by Cameroon, and the road to qualification promises to be as competitive and unpredictable as ever.
A total of 48 national teams are in contention for the 23 available places in the final tournament, with host nation Cameroon automatically qualified. Divided into several groups, the teams will battle across multiple matchdays, making every point crucial. The opening day alone features eleven matches, with key venues spread across cities such as Uyo, Thiès, Yaoundé, and Ouagadougou, setting the stage for an exciting start to the campaign.
One of the headline fixtures pits Nigeria against Benin in what promises to be an intense West African derby. Both sides featured at the last Africa Cup of Nations, and their rivalry adds extra spice to the encounter. Benin, however, faces a tough challenge, especially with a weakened defensive setup. Meanwhile, Nigeria will rely on the attacking prowess of rising star Victor Osimhen, who has quickly become one of the Super Eagles’ most dangerous threats in front of goal.
Elsewhere, Senegal appears well positioned to begin their campaign strongly. The Lions of Teranga, runners-up in the previous tournament, boast a squad filled with talent, led by an in-form Sadio Mané. With the Liverpool forward performing at the peak of his powers, Senegal will be confident of overcoming Congo. The Congolese side, missing key player Thievy Bifouma, faces an uphill battle to contain Senegal’s firepower.
Cameroon, despite being the host nation and already assured of a place in the tournament, will still participate in the qualifiers to remain competitive. After a disappointing showing at AFCON 2019 and with a revamped coaching staff, the Indomitable Lions are eager to rebuild confidence. Their opening match against Cape Verde will be anything but straightforward, as the island nation has built a reputation for troubling stronger opponents and pulling off surprise results.
Burkina Faso, absent from the last continental tournament, is also determined to avoid another disappointment. Their campaign begins against Uganda, a side known for its unpredictability and fighting spirit. For the Stallions, securing an early victory is essential to set the tone for the rest of the qualifiers.
Other intriguing clashes include Angola against Gambia and Central African Republic versus Burundi, both of which could produce closely contested battles.
Program (times in GMT):
13:00 GMT
Malawi vs South Sudan
Central African Republic vs Burundi
16:00 GMT
Nigeria vs Benin
Namibia vs Chad
Cameroon vs Cape Verde
Guinea-Bissau vs Eswatini
Sierra Leone vs Lesotho
19:00 GMT
Burkina Faso vs Uganda
Sudan vs São Tomé
Angola vs Gambia
Senegal vs Congo
With so many compelling matchups, the first day of qualifying promises drama, intensity, and the beginning of a long journey toward AFCON 2021 in Cameroon.
