The semi-finals of the U23 Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2019, mark a crucial day for African football as the first two qualifiers for the men’s football tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games will be determined. With three Olympic spots available, the winners of today’s two matches will qualify directly, while the third spot will be decided in the third-place playoff.
The first semi-final features a high-stakes West African clash between Ivory Coast and Ghana. The Elephants have been pursuing Olympic qualification since 2008 and will be eager to secure a spot in Tokyo. Ghana, meanwhile, enters the match with a strong Olympic pedigree, having won Africa’s only Olympic gold in football in 1992. Both teams bring a mix of youth, talent, and experience, making this encounter a key test of composure and strategy.
The second semi-final sees the host nation, Egypt, face South Africa. Egypt has been dominant throughout the tournament, winning all three of their group matches with impressive performances. Bafana Bafana U23s will aim to emulate their senior counterparts’ form from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, relying on discipline and tactical organization to challenge the hosts. The encounter promises to be a competitive test, with both sides motivated by the prize of direct Olympic qualification.
Kick-off times for the semi-finals are set in GMT: Ivory Coast vs. Ghana at 2 PM, followed by Egypt vs. South Africa at 6 PM. These matches are pivotal, not only for Olympic qualification but also for showcasing Africa’s emerging football talent on the continental and global stage. Both fixtures will provide high-intensity football as teams compete for a place in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
