AFCON 2015 Qualifiers Begin with Packed Weekend of Continental Clashes
The journey to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations officially begins this Friday, as the first round of qualifiers kicks off across the continent. Spread over two days, the opening weekend offers 14 fixtures filled with anticipation, talent, and transition, marking the return of high-stakes international football in Africa.
Friday’s Highlights: Guinea vs Togo, Senegal vs Egypt
The action begins with three matches on Friday, headlined by the Group E encounter between Guinea and Togo. Originally scheduled for Conakry, the match has been moved to Casablanca due to health concerns over the Ebola outbreak in West Africa.
Another standout fixture pits Senegal against Egypt in Group G. Taking place at Dakar’s Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium, the game marks Senegal’s return to their home ground after a two-year suspension stemming from crowd trouble during a 2014 World Cup qualifier against Côte d’Ivoire.
Also in action on Friday are Sudan and South Africa, who meet in Omdurman in Group A.
Saturday Brings New Eras and Emotional Farewells
Saturday’s slate features the remaining 11 matches, and several national teams are embarking on new chapters.
Nigeria, the defending champions, face Congo in Calabar amidst domestic football instability and a looming FIFA ultimatum. Across the continent in Lubumbashi, DR Congo hosts Cameroon, who begin life without long-time talisman Samuel Eto’o, recently retired from international duty.
Meanwhile, in Abidjan, Ivorian legend Didier Drogba will be watching from the sidelines as his national team also begins a post-Drogba era. New head coach Hervé Renard takes charge of the Elephants in a match against Sierra Leone.
Ghana, still chasing a long-awaited continental title, hosts Uganda in Kumasi, while Christian Gourcuff begins his tenure as Algeria boss with an away fixture against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa.
Elsewhere, Burkina Faso takes on Lesotho, Mali welcomes Malawi, and Tunisia hosts Botswana in Monastir. Gabon faces Angola, Zambia plays Mozambique in Ndola, and Niger clashes with Cape Verde in Niamey.
Qualification Format
According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the top two teams from each of the seven qualifying groups will advance to the final tournament, which is scheduled to take place in Morocco from 17 January to 8 February 2015. They will be joined by the best third-placed team across all groups.
As the qualifiers commence, fans across Africa can expect intense competition, emerging stars, and shifting dynamics in a tournament cycle that promises both nostalgia and new beginnings.
