African football fans are in for a packed week as the U23 national teams gear up for the second round of qualifications for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U23 tournament. With the decisive weekend for the senior teams’ AFCON qualifiers just around the corner, the U23s are set to play 28 matches over six days, featuring home-and-away legs that will determine which teams progress to the final stage in Egypt.
The U23 AFCON serves as more than just a continental championship; it is also a qualifying pathway for the football tournament at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, adding extra significance to each fixture. Several key encounters promise exciting action, including Ghana versus Gabon and Guinea against Senegal, where youth talent and tactical maturity will be tested. Meanwhile, Morocco travels to face the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria faces a challenging away trip to Libya. Other matches to watch include Niger against Ivory Coast and Angola versus South Africa, which could have major implications for the final qualification spots.
Cameroon has already secured its place in the final round, benefitting from the disqualification of Sierra Leone, allowing the Indomitable Lions’ U23s to focus on preparation for the later stages. The remaining teams will battle for the remaining slots, with every match carrying high stakes. Coaches and fans alike will be watching closely, as the U23 level often reveals the future stars of African football, many of whom may transition to senior squads in the coming years.
The schedule for the first leg matches runs from March 20 to 23, followed by the second leg encounters from March 24 to 26. This tight schedule will test the teams’ fitness, squad depth, and adaptability, as traveling for away fixtures in diverse conditions across the continent can present logistical challenges. Despite these pressures, the U23 teams are expected to deliver competitive and entertaining matches.
The program begins on Wednesday with several high-profile fixtures: Malawi hosts Zambia, Burundi faces Congo, DR Congo welcomes Morocco, Libya hosts Nigeria, South Sudan meets Tunisia, Guinea takes on Senegal, and Sudan faces Kenya. Thursday features Ethiopia versus Mali, while Friday includes Mozambique against Zimbabwe, Angola versus South Africa, and Niger taking on Ivory Coast. The weekend will conclude with Ghana facing Gabon on Saturday, alongside Equatorial Guinea versus Algeria, rounding out a busy week of action.
These fixtures are crucial for teams aiming to qualify for the U23 AFCON finals in Egypt, where performances will not only determine continental glory but also Olympic qualification. For fans, scouts, and analysts, this is an opportunity to observe emerging talents and evaluate the tactical approaches of young African squads under pressure. With tight schedules, challenging venues, and high stakes, the second round of U23 AFCON qualifiers promises drama, surprises, and the excitement that comes with youth international football.
As the continent’s footballing elite prepare for this decisive week, the outcomes will shape the future of African football at both the U23 and senior levels. Teams will be looking to capitalize on home advantage, execute strategic game plans, and showcase the next generation of African stars on the path to Tokyo 2020 and beyond.
